The Oxinden Letters

F

SIR HENRY OXINDEN, KT., OF DEANE.

From a portrait attributed to Marc Ghaeraedts in the possession of Lady Capel Curt
Photographer, Medici Society.

THE OXINDEN LETTERS

1607-1 642

BEING THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
HENRY OXINDEN OF BARHAM
AND HIS CIRCLE

Edited with Notes and an Introduction

by

DOROTHY GARDINER

LONDON

CONSTABLE & CO LTD

r 933

PUBLISHED BY

Constable and Company Ltd.

LONDON

Oxford University Press

BOMBAY CALCUTTA MADRAS

The Macmillan Company
of Canada, Limited

TORONTO

FRIlfrED IN GREAT BRITAIN ROBERT MACLEHOSE AND CO LTD
THE UNIVERSITY PRESS, GLASGOW

PREFACE

The Letters comprised in this book have been in the main
selected from Additional MSS. 27,999 and 28,000 in the
British Museum. These manuscripts are two out of a
collection of seven volumes of family correspondence
(27,999-28,005) purchased by the Museum in 1869, probably
from Sir Henry Oxenden of Broome Park, Kent. Each of
the volumes^ ranging in date from 1589-1710, contains be-
tween two and three hundred letters : a detailed study has
shown that they are not in all cases bound up in correct
chronological order.

Two Letters (Nos. CLV and CLXXII) have been drawn
from a volume of Sir Thomas Peyton’s correspondence in
Lady Capel Cure’s possession, by her permission ; one,
(Letter CCV) is printed from a small collection of Oxinden
Papers belonging to the Kent Archaeological Society in
the Maidstone Museum, with their consent. The Oxinden
MSS. in possession of the Dean and Chapter of Canterbury
(chiefly title deeds) have also been used for certain informa-
tion.

I have many acknowledgements to make of help received
in the course of my work. The kindness of Lady Capel Cure
and of other more recent owners has permitted the repro-
duction of family portraits which bring the reader face to face
with some writers of the Oxinden Letters. Almost as this
book went to press the unique collection of Oxinden Por-
traits, by. the ill-fortune of our time, was broken up, and
pictures of father and son, husband and wife, which had hung
side by side for two or three centuries on the walls of Dene,
Maydekin and Broome are now widely dispersed. Miss
Slater also allowed reproductions to be made of portraits in
her ownership of Henry Oxinden of Barham and his son
Thomas, by Janssen. The President of Corpus Christi
College, Oxford, afforded me valuable assistance in annotat-
ing the letters of Robert Hegge and James Holt of that

v

PREFACE

college, and the Warden of Wadham information as to the
residence of Edward Peyton : Mr. Percy Maylam of
Canterbury contributed a note on Gavelkind ; the Reverend
R. U. Potts and Mr. Arthur Hussey of Wingham drew in
my behalf on their stores of local knowledge. Mr. Ernest
Fedarb constructed the admirable map which sets out the
neighbourhood as far as possible as it was at the date of the
Letters.

DOROTHY GARDINER.

14 Precincts, Canterbury,
December 1931.

CONTENTS

PAGE

GENERAL INTRODUCTION - - - XI

PART I. THE ELDER GENERATION - I

„ II. HENRY OXINDEN TAKES COMMAND - 45

„ III. HENRY OXINDEN’S MARRIED LIFE - 84

„ IV. CLOUDS GATHER OVER ENGLAND - 136

„ V. KATHERINE CULLING - - - 193

„ VI. THE BRINK OF CIVIL WAR - - 254

BIBLIOGRAPHY - - - - 314

INDEX 315

ILLUSTRATIONS

sir henry oxinden, KT., of deane - Frontispiece
By permission of Lady Capel Cure.

TO FACE PACE

ELIZABETH BROOKER, FIRST WIFE OF SIR HENRY

OXINDEN OF DEANE 6

By permission of Messrs. Pawsey and Payne.

SIR JAMES OXINDEN, KT., OF DEANE - - - 34

By permission of Lady Capel Cure.

HENRY OXINDEN OF BARHAM 66

By permission of Miss M. B. Slater.

SIR BASIL DIXWELL, KT., OF BROOME PARK - - 96

By permission of the Galeries A. Hartveld, Antwerp.

ANNE PEYTON, FIRST WIFE OF HENRY OXINDEN OF

BARHAM 130

By permission of Messrs. Leggatt Brothers.

ELIZABETH MEREDITH, SECOND WIFE OF HENRY OXINDEN

OF DEANE l66

By permission of Sir Charles Holmes.

THOMAS, ONLY SON OF HENRY OXINDEN OF BARHAM 180

By permission of Miss M. B. Slater.

HENRY OXINDEN OF DEANE ----- 210

By permission of O. Dan, Esquire.

DEANE MANOR IN THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY - - 23O

FACSIMILE OF DRAFT LETTER CCXXIII IN HENRY OXINDEN

OF BARHAM’S HANDWRITING - - - - 250

FACSIMILE OF THE SAME LETTER COPIED FAIR BY HENRY

OXINDEN OF BARHAM ----- 280

MARY THEOBALD, LADY OXINDEN, SECOND WIFE OF SIR

HENRY OXINDEN ------ 298

By permission of Lady Capel Cure.

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

i

The Oxinden family flourished long on Kentish soil. At the
head of their pedigree 1 is the name of Solomon Oxinden,
“ de Oxinden in Nunnington,” married to a Kentish lady,
Jocosa or Joyce Den, and buried at Nonington in the time of
Edward III. Solomon’s younger son, Richard Oxinden, is
outstanding in these early annals ; he became Prior of Christ-
church, Canterbury, at the age of thirty, governed the
Benedictine House efficiently for nine years, entertained
King Edward, Philippa, and the Black Prince as a three
years’ child, finding the money for cups of silver and ala-
baster, a palfrey, and other gifts of price. He built the great
decorated window in St. Anselm’s Chapel, and somewhere in
St. Michael’s Chapel his ashes lie. Richard, like others of his
race, had a fluent pen : letters of his survive in the Cathedral
records ; one of them, on some trivial occasion, deserved an
episcopal rebuke, being expressed, “ non cum debita
brevitate sed inutili verbositate.” 2

The Prior’s elder brother, Allan, carried on the family : in
the succeeding generation the heir, another Richard, is first
described as “ of Wingham,” and in the next again, under
King Richard II, a burial in the South Chapel of Wingham
Church, dedicated to St. John, first occurs ; hitherto the
family had used the North Chapel or Brooke Chantry : these
chapels remained for centuries their resting-places. 3 Under
Henry VI came the grant of Arms, made on February 6th,
1445, to John Oxinden of Wingham by John Wyxworth,

1 Printed in Archceol. Cant., vol. vi.

*

8 Memorials of the Cathedral and Priory of Christ in Canterbury , Wood-
ruff and Danks, p. 146.

3 Hussey, Chronicles of Wingham , pp. 91-95.

xi

THE OXINDEN LETTERS

“ Lyon King atte Armes of the Duche of Lyon.” “ I
the seyde Lyon King atte Armes,” it runs, (as copied
from the antient original by Henry Oxinden of Barham)
“ atte prayer, instance and request of the seyde John, have
made due search, and found the right armes of the seyde
John, as their progenitors, tyme out of mynde, have borne
them. That is to say, hee beareth Sylver iii Oxen sabul,
armed with gooldys, a cheveryn of the same.” 1 As a rule
the Oxinden patronage was all for Wingham, and for their
Chantries, blazoned with the three oxen sable on a silver field ;
but one Richard who died in 1469, having no heir, built a
“ campanile ” for the neighbouring church at Goodnestone.
Richard’s wife, a local heiress, Jane de Wenderton, had
brought into the family, on her marriage in 1440, her estate
of Brooke in Wingham, thenceforward their principal seat.
In the latter part of Henry VI they acquired, by purchase, or
possibly also by marriage, the Manor of Dene in the same
parish. 2

About 1492 some younger members of the family begin to
style themselves “ of Dene ” ; the first Thomas of Dene,
being son of a second son, married into trade, Elizabeth,
daughter of one Rainscroft of London, fishmonger, and was
buried far from home in the Church of St. Mary Magdalen,
near the old Fishmarket, in London.

The generation which, in 1547, saw the venerable College
of Priests at Wingham dissolved, and the Collegians’ tim-
bered houses pass into lay hands, once and for all branched
out in two directions ; the elder line, represented by William
Oxinden, remained as heretofore at Brooke ; the younger,
represented by his brother Henry, settled themselves at
Dene, or Deane as it is often called. Record leaves it unde-
termined whether William or Henry was the “ Master
Oxendon,” Churchwarden of Wingham, who took a cross of
“ silver and guilt, enamelled with Mary and John,” from the
Clerk, as he bore it before the Gospeller descending from

1 Arch. Cant., vol. vi. p. 277 (Lyon* wrongly printed Gyan).

2 Hasted, iv. p. 696.

xii

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

the Rood loft, and gave it to his neighbour, James Hales,
“ Seriante at the Lawe,” like himself a staunch upholder of
the Reformation, to decide, at his leisure, between the respec-
tive ownership of the College and the parish. 1

Henry Oxinden, if it were he, lived to be a very old man ;
about thirteen years before his death he rebuilt the mansion
at Dene, and dying in 1597, in his eighty-fifth year, left it
to his second son Henry ; the elder son, Edward, having
already succeeded to his uncle William’s estates at Brooke.

With Henry, — becoming in 1606 Sir Henry Oxinden,
Knight, of Dene in Wingham, — and his two sons, Sir James
Oxinden and Richard Oxinden, this present series of family
papers begins ; while Sir Henry’s grandson, Richard’s son,
Henry Oxinden of Maydekin in Barham, is the hero of the
chronicle.

11

From the days of the Roman traveller two roads, like the
two hands of a clock, have forked out from Canterbury ; the
northerly towards the haven of Richborough, and later on of
Sandwich ; the southerly towards the Cinque Port of Dover.
The Sandwich road, after it has crossed the belt of wooded
hills safeguarding the Cathedral sanctuary, runs, very straight,
between foothills of the North Downs — among which the
coal-measures lie — and a strip of marshland where Stour and
Nailboume and their tributaries filter out towards the sea-
channel.

About six miles out from Canterbury on this northern road
is the village of Wingham. The fine church — having a tall
tower and steeple, and an arcading of chestnut-stems, instead
of stone columns, within — keeps the entrance ; opposite it is
a row of black and white houses of the greatest charm ; on
the thatched roof of one, green polypody clusters thickly ; all
have overhanging casements, gables and massive carved
beams ; one, standing at the farther end, is an old inn, within
which modem partitions conceal a spacious hall, and where
the sign of the Red Lion hangs over the street.

1 Arch, Cant., vol. xiv. p. 311.
xiii

THE OXINDEN LETTERS

This group of old-fashioned dwellings was once no doubt
connected with the College of Priests. The Mansion House,
vanished now, in which the Palmer family followed, after the
Dissolution, on a long line of Provosts, stood eastward of the
church. By the Red Lion the high road deploys sharply
to right and left. The left-hand section, passing between
many other old, but less ancient, cottages, progresses through
the village, amply margined with grass and delightfully
shaded with pollard lime-trees, and, by way of Ash, presently
drops to the Sandwich marshes. One must follow the right-
hand section to arrive at Dene Manor. The country here is
very open, the leafage clustered in scattered copses, and the
rise towards the Downs gives a wide backward view in the
direction of the sea and the Stour lowlands. Dene itself —
alas ! the old house is no more, and a storm not long since
blew down the Oxindens’ dove-cote — is in a crevice of the
Downs ; a broad and steep shoulder, a great stretch of culti-
vation, now crowned by modern waterworks, shelters it on the
east, and there are hills to south and west, the lower slopes
covered with orchard and hop-garden. Northward it has an
open green alley, and can look out over fields to view Wing-
ham steeple and catch the winds from the sea. Where the
main road dips sharply down to join the old approach there
is a tangled copse, veiling piles of Roman masonry and walls,
long since ruinous even when Sir Henry Oxinden rebuilt his
mansion in Elizabeth’s reign.

An old drawing of the house gives an idea of its homely
looks. A long roof, centred by a small cupola or bell-tower ;
three gables standing forward, the central having the plain
square entrance door ; three other gables standing back, re-
cessed ; three rows of heavily mullioned casements ; the
whole plainly, solidly and roomily built in good red brick and
roofed in reddish tiles. So one reconstructs it in imagination,
pictures Sir Henry and his lady (the heiress, Elizabeth
Brooker) admiring their handiwork ; and next in the lint of
tenancy, Sir James and his stately wife, Margaret Nevinson
from Easrtry ; and next their son, gallant Colonel Henry

xiv

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

Oxinden, bringing home from Leeds Abbey his lovely bride,
Elizabeth Meredith (after that wedding ceremony in Leeds
Church which Henry of Barham describes with so much
poetic feeling). Thither also Sir James’s favourite daughter,
Elizabeth Dallison, returns to make a second home with
her three babes ; and her sisters, Jane Oxinden, now the
Lady Piers, and Anne, now Mrs. Master, pass out on their
husbands’ arms ; and one sad day the dead body of Sir
James’s youngest son, James Oxinden, slain in a duel, is
carried over the threshold and his mother, her proud spirit
brought very low, betakes herself in tears to her chamber.

There are spaniels about the place, and horses in plenty in
the “ pad- warehouse ; ” summer and winter Sir James’s
“ cotch ” rumbles along the lanes to Canterbury, for a dis-
course in the Sermon-house or a Latin Play at the Deanery ;
and his neighbours ride over there to interview the lawyer
about some one of their many “ sutes,” or even to arrange
matters with their creditors.

The marriage-ties between house and house scattered
about East Kent were drawn so close and bound together so
many generations, that to live there was to be in the midst of
a large and usually harmonious family party. Most people
acknowledged cousinship as well as neighbourhood ; not-
able friendships grew up between the younger members, like
that between Henry Oxinden of Dene (or “ Deane ” as he
preferred to call it) and his namesake Henry Oxinden of
Barham ; there was always a newcomer to be “ made a
Christian ” amidst the gathering of god-parents and friends ;
or some other, now leaving their pleasant company, to be
escorted to his last rest. A note of passing annoyance may
indeed be detected when an intruder outside the magic
ring, a Thomas Marsh, for example, whose father is reported
to have been “ writ yeoman ” in the title-deeds of his
Brandred estate, or Katherine Culling, no better than old
Goldman Culling ’s daughter, sets a determined foot over the
border-line, or even, in the second generation, like Marsh’s
son, seeks a grant of arms : “ they say it is don,”gruffs old

xv

THE OXINDEN LETTERS

John Philipott, Somerset Herald, “ but I am no ways partie
to it, I thank god.”

Apart from such infrequent pushfulness, there is a proper
good feeling between yeoman and squire, squire and his
tenants and labourers. The same families from the cottage,
the Julls, the Shepheards, the Coopers, serve, father to son,
the same family at the mansion ; the one is faithful and loyal,
not ill-content, the other kindly, appreciative, affectionate ;
patronage, if it exists, is not yet recognized for what it is.
Only in the background there is still much ignorance,
savagery even, as Henry Oxinden’s plea for a poor witch’s life
bears witness.

In this Kent Commonwealth of Englishmen field sports are
a strong bond of union. Again and again the hunt careers
over the steep downs, pursuing the flying fox, coursing with
the hare ; Peytons and Oxindens and Masters, Captain
Percivall of Archcliffe Fort with Mr. Toke of Bere, they
meet in the early morning and hail in their company the
High Sheriff, even on occasion Dr. Isaac Bargrave, the Dean
of Canterbury himself. Yet the days of disunion which
break up this pleasant fellowship are drawing near.

A glance at the map shows the near neighbourhood of the
great houses ; climbing up and over the Downs, southward
from Dene, the chimneys of Denne Hill appeared presently
on the left among the trees, and but little farther on, north-
west of the Dennes’ Estate, Sir Francis Nethersole had built
his mansion ; nowadays his name is only to be heard of on
the monuments on Wymynswold Church wall. Having
dropped over the ridge, a little below Denne Hill, one meets
the second of the forked roads coming from Canterbury, the
road that, unlike its Sandwich companion, travels high on the
hillside, catches the Channel weather and drifts up quickly
with winter snows.

Follow it backwards, Canterbury-wards, a few miles, and
one may halt on yet other doorsteps from which letters
addressed to Henry Oxinden of Barham were dispatched.
Ileden, fcft example, where Queen Marie de’ Medicis stopped

xvi

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

in the wood to take fruit, though her lap-dogs disdained to
drink without a silver dish ; where the Bakers, poor in all but
children, must have found refuge with her ladyship ’s father, Sir
Thomas Wilsford — Ileden is perched up on the ridge to the
right so that it cannot be seen from the high road. There is a
windmill close here and the grass is scored by trenches dug
in the Great War and by earlier diggings, when Jutish chief-
tains , graves and their gold amulets and a round brooch were
brought to light. Far beneath, on the left of the high road,
under a great shoulder, stands Kingston Church, with its
memories of Dr. Walter Balcanquall and of Michael Huffam’s
ministrations in the Rector’s absence at his Deanery. Keep-
ing down along the lower level one arrives at Bishopsboume
Church, with Hooker’s monument and the yew hedge he
planted in the Rectory garden. Here too one strikes the
Nailboume or Lesser Stour ; just beyond, at the next village
of Bridge, the river, from its springs in the chalk hills, after
it has strung on a silver chain Lyminge and Barham,
Kingston and Bishopsboume, ceases abruptly its northerly
course, turning sharply to the east. From Bridge it flows by
some of the most romantic of Kent villages, Patrixboume
(where the Bargraves wisely built their house named Bifrons),
Bekesbourne (close to Colonel Proud’s at Garwinton), Little-
bourne, and so into the marshes of the parent river, beyond
Vincent Denne’s manor of Wenderton, by bleak Stourmouth.

At Bridge, though nothing of his house now remains,
lived Sir Edward Partherich and his wife “ Cousin Parthe-
rich,” the Oxindens’ kinswoman. After their property had
been sold to the Dutch merchant, Sir Arnold Braems, and
their residence handsomely rebuilt as Bridge Place, one
might, at any time, have met in Bridge street, a frequent
guest of his, the painter, Cornelis Janssen. He went con-
stantly to and fro between the neighbouring great houses,
painting in turn such portraits of the friendly families, Ham-
monds and Auchers, Peytons and Masters, and Oxindens, as,
with their letters, must keep their memory alive.

xvii

THE OXINDEN LETTERS

III

The high country between the forking roads is to-day bare,
open, and wind-swept. When one has crossed the ridge, and
begun the southward descent, there is a change ; less bleak-
ness, something softer, more adorned, valleys clothed with a
richer woodland. The open park of Broome Hall skirts the
way. In spring — the time which perhaps best sets off this
countryside, the great horse chestnuts sweep the ground with
be-tapered branches ; sunshine flecks the beds of green dog’s
mercury ; the nightingales sing and sing, never stopping
when the cars rush past, any more than they stop to hear that
wild soliloquy. Nearer Denton a green valley opens up :
hedges of hurdle and quickset part the fields. Near where
the road last dips close to the village, the down is crowned
and crested with yews. All the way the blackbirds flute and
the vagrant cuckoo is calling. The grassy slopes are spacious :
the trees have a great girth and spread their arms widely . . .
the moment has come for the Oxindens of Dene to put out
another root. In the autumn of 1610 the destiny of a second
son overtook young Richard Oxinden ; like a grain of corn
from the ear he freed himself from Sir Henry’s paternal roof
and planted his feet in this green valley among the North
Downs, The occasion was a great one in his life. Some
two and a half years before, being nineteen years old, he had
married in St. Paul’s Church at Canterbury a bride newly of
age, Katherine, third of the seven daughters of Sir Adam
Sprakeling, of St. Paul’s Parish and of Ellington in the Isle of
Thanet ; he was now the father of a son, Henry (bom in Can-
terbury, January 18th, 1608) ; he had reached his majority ;
time was ripe for him to set up his own establishment. On
the 6th of October, 1610, with legal formality, there was
settled on him, his wife Katherine for her jointure, and his
heirs male, with remainder to his elder brother, Sir James
Oxinden of Dene, the property once belonging to his maternal
grandfather, James Brooker of Barham. These houses *and
fields were his mother’s inheritance, she being sole heiress of
the Brooker family. Their character may be judged from

xviii

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

the indenture : “ a messuage/’ so it runs, “ in which James
Brooker dwelt, with bams and 254 acres of arable, pasture
and wood, in Denton and Barham ; a messuage called
Gathurst with 170 acres, also in Denton and Barham ; 100
acres of woodland in Denton, Barham and Wootton ; 5 acres
of marsh in Dymchurch.’’ 1 These formed the bulk of
Richard’s new domain. The mind’s eye travels over them,
follows the cloud shadows across his sloping fields, traces,
with the sun’s burning finger, his bronzed and reddening
copses ; by the track of footsteps in the snow pursues the
steep lane down to the doorstep of his gabled dwelling-house.

The owners of the property before James Brooker had
borne, rather confusingly, the surname of Brooke, “ of the
family of the Lord Brooke ” ; and their still earlier prede-
cessors the unusual one of Maydeacon. 2 The memory of
these first owners survives in the house’s present-day name of
Maydekin or Great Maydekin, with Little Maydekin as a
dower house, standing close by, then as now, across the high
road to Canterbury.

The property invited development ; the house, in its
sheltered hollow, judicious extension ; the downs immedi-
ately around the house, judicious planting ; in tree-planting
especially each owner improved on his predecessor and the
valley grew lovelier year by year. The stages through which
it passed lie plain to us, although three centuries have slipped
away — James Brooker builds a stable, pad-warehouse, and
coach-house, the stone wall from the little parlour to the
street. 3 A family retainer, Ambrose Cooper, (father of
Nicholas Cooper who is eventually to serve Richard and
Henry Oxinden) has orders to plant ash-trees round the pond,
an orchard above the pidgeon-house. 4 This was while
Queen Elizabeth still reigned. Sir Henry Oxinden of Dene,
husband of the heiress, Elizabeth Brooker, sets in her right
a small forest of fruit trees. “ The 2 great peare trees, the

#1 Maidstone Papers, Bundle 42.16.

2 Philipott, Villare Cantianum (1659), p. 129.

3 Genealogist , N.s. vol. viii. p. 131. 4 Ib. y vol. xxxvii.*]p. 195.

xix

THE OXINDEN LETTERS

warden trees and the 3 winter peare trees,” notes a grandson,
in his Diary, “ were in the orchard before old Cooper’s
remembrance, as hee told mee 1659, anno aetatis 73.” A
countryman’s memory is long for such events. It is now
Richard Oxinden ’s turn ; he plants in the good tradition, at
first chiefly hedges, in the laying out of his estate, garden and
meadows ; a new hedge between the hither-sown Cowlease
and the Cherry Garden, a new hedge between the two
Horse-leases. He builds, yet not in undue haste ; not
until, after ten years of ownership, two more sons and a
daughter call for lodging, and a tree has been set to register
the birth of another girl, Elizabeth, on a January day, 1616.
Then for a year or so there is no arrival, which gives time
to enlarge Great Maydekin, to add chimneys, a new south
front, a hall and study with rooms over it. Little Maydekin
also has a share of improvement : Richard “ builded the
hall to the Brick house,” which was, although only across
the road, in the next parish of Denton.

In this state Maydekin Great and Little were standing
when Richard Oxinden died in 1629, in his forty-second
year, and was buried in Denton Church.

Henry, his eldest son, barely of age, was now master. He
made some alterations in Great Maydekin at the time of his
first marriage to Anne Peyton, in 1632 ; he “ seeled the
chamber over the little parlour, took down the partition, and
enlarged it from the chimney to the little closet,” and in the
following year, as his diary records, “ tooke down the old
malt-house, adjoining to the with-drawing roome ” — (those
days of austerity were gone by when no one cavilled at the
heavy scent of malt-drying in the best parlour). Next he
“ went Squire-wise to the brew-house, and built it where
it now standeth. New-builded the Milk-house and the
roomes over, which all fell down of their own accord, by
reason of age which brings all at last to the ground. Builded
the great staires next the studie ; there is in them at -least
13 Tunn of Timber.” By 1633 Henry’s house was finished
to his liking, well and solidly — the home in which for twenty

xx

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

years he was to write letters and receive them, to face mis-
fortune, and to bear those crushing burdens that civil strife
lays upon the private citizen — until the day came when he
could no longer afford to live at Maydekin at all.

“Iam now like a man beseig’d in a castle,” he wrote sadly
to the would-be purchasers, “ whose ammunition is so far
wasted that I can hardly any longer hold out but must yeild
myselfe to the mercy of those who have a mind to enter.” 1
When that day dawned, most of all he must have regretted
his trees, the wealth of timber that now beautified his fields.
For to the last he continued to plant ; the record is scrupu-
lously exact ; now a yew-tree before the great parlour-win-
dow ; more distantly, eight yew-trees and holly trees upon
the Holy Hill at South Barham ; “ horsbeeches going up to
the round house and to my cherry garden, and the elm and
the walnut tree beside the Cony-ground gate.” 2

Scarcely any thing of seventeenth century planting, beyond
the glorious memory of the trees in their prime, now survives.
The huge elm-boles in the garden at Great Maydekin, which
might surely be three centuries old, are pollarded to a shadow
of their former splendour. The house itself still stands ; it
has one old gable, and indoors many old beams remain of
Henry Oxinden’s “ 13 tunn of timber.” The garden has its
old walls, and an old-world peace ; some of the farm buildings
on the hill-side may even have been there since Henry went
squire-wise to erect his new brew-house and to replace the
upper chambers which Time had cast down.

IV

Considering the vicissitudes which befell the Oxinden
family in all its branches, it is the more remarkable that such
a quantity of their seventeenth century correspondence has
been handed down. The dislike of destroying old documents
must have been in the blood, but it flowed most liberally in
the veins of that untiring hoarder of the scrap of paper,

1 Maidstone Papers, Bundle 43 (1653). 2 Genealogist , vol. aRsxi. p. iz6.

b xxi

THE OXINDEN LETTERS

Henry Oxinden of Barham. He had overwhelming respect
for the written word, at times a lively sense of its mischievous
possibilities, which yet could never bring him to tear up his
old letters. He stored them for well-defined reasons. The
first and obvious one was their serviceableness as a record of
his multifarious transactions with family, neighbours and
friends, and of his own career. He kept letters received ; he
kept also drafts of letters despatched when they were of any
importance, links it might be in some chain of careful nego-
tiation. Thanks to these drafts, cramped, difficult, much
corrected as they mostly are, mingled with fragments of verse
in English, Greek and Latin, and scribblings of every sort,
his correspondence escapes that one-sidedness so exasperating
to an eager reader, that eavesdropper to whom not a word of
it was addressed. Some of the drafts exist in no way altered,
but elegantly re-written as they were sent off ; in other cases
the absence of any copy is carefully noted. The story, be-
tween the letters and their replies, is remarkably complete.

Henry preserved also, in liberal amount, letters neither
addressed to nor penned by himself, letters written in his
early boyhood and by people he had never met. Some were
evidently kept because of their narrative interest, the great
affairs they touched upon. Such is Dean Balcanquall’s long
letter to Sir James Oxinden of Dene, about the Thirty Years’
War and the tragedy of the Winter Queen, to whom the
Oxindens’ near neighbour, Sir Francis Nethersole of
Wymynswold had acted as Secretary.

Other letters he put aside, one must believe, because they
were characteristic of the writers, for a psychological interest
which held the attention. Richard Oxinden ’s boyish scrawl,
replying to an unjustified reproach on his elder brother’s part,
has just that tang of an amused cynicism, that slightly defiant
independence, natural to Henry himself ; to read it was to
feel how much he was his father’s son. Then, too, Lady
Peyton’s counsels to her newly married daughter, Ahne,
wrung from the bitterness of personal experience — found no
doubt Henry among his wife’s belongings after her early

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

death — illustrate problems of conduct which always had an
attraction for him, the relation of parent and child, husband
and wife ; how deeply, time and again, they exercised his
own mind. That letter he would read through, philosophise
upon it awhile, set it at last on one side, duly docketed. The
early letters of his more distant kinsfolk, the Pettits of Daunde-
lion, how humane they are, how full of kindly sympathy and
rare good sense ; what a contrast to his own, aloofness, to the
restlessness and vague melancholy, which, it would seem, the
Sprakeling connection introduced into his family. They
bring alive old Valentine Pettit, genial as ever, spreading his
patriarchal mantle over the destinies of little Matt Henneker
— his wife's step-granddaughter at the nearest connection —
determined if he knows how to settle her advancement, by
way of domestic service, “ for some yeares ” of her youth to
come ; overflowing, too, with sympathy for his widowed
daughter-in-law, Hanna Pettit, as she awaits her baby's birth
over there at Denton, and sending — to comfort her a little —
those “ few smale Lopsteres taken yesterday ; and my desire
was to have had more store of this morninge's takeinge, to
have sent them alive.” That wish the northerly gales frus-
trated, blowing strong off Margate.

Henry Oxinden preserved two monumental letters to the
memory of Lady Sprakeling, his mother’s mother, she who
had borne and brought up that large “ pernickety ” family at
Ellington in Thanet ; “ my ant Proud ” among them, so
harsh of tongue, so generous provided her own purse-strings
were secured ; and “ Sister Sprakeling,” cherishing a secret
spite against vandals who felled her trees without license, and
let the wintry storms blow in on her chimney comer. The
first of these letters is from the pen of that noted physician,
Dr. Jacob Vanderslaert of Sandwich, and recommends for her
Ladyship's ailments his famous infallible compound of
maidenhair and coltsfoot ; the second testifies to her Lady-
ship's charitable soul, and makes immortal a being after
Shakespeare's pattern, the widowed Mrs. Ellyn Kinton of
St. Dunstan's, Canterbury. Mrs. Ellyn, who has placed out

xxiii

THE OXINDEN LETTERS

£10, all her savings, at interest in Lady Sprakeling’s keeping,
desires her money, on the instant, repaid ; now she grumbles
and now reiterates her plaint, “ being we are all mortall, your
Ladiship will pardon me to be thus carefull, having such
neede as I have and more may live to have,” and so on and so
forth.

v

The Oxinden Letters owe no little of their interest to a close
concern with the youth of that generation, born in the old
peaceful rural England, which grew up under the storm skies
of Civil War and lived through the sullen calm of the Puritan
epoch.

The routine of education was well established in the family
of an East Kent landowner. University training for his
eldest son, beginning perhaps at fourteen, followed often by
a call to the Bar ; for one other son, the second, if gifted
enough with brains, Oxford or Cambridge likewise, ordina-
tion to the Church's ministry, and, to crown all, a family pre-
ferment ; for any other sons, a London apprenticeship, lead-
ing to a merchant's or shopkeeper's career. This routine was
sometimes varied, as in the case of Thomas Coppin of
Wickham Bushes, (and later in the chronicles, of his kinsman,
Thomas Denne of Wenderton) by travel abroad.

Thomas Coppin was a great wanderer ; having returned
home to Kent after many months in Switzerland and Italy, he
went overseas again to Holland, with Sir William Boswell, ’
the Secretary to the Hague, “ not now, as at first, to wander
up and downe from place to place to satisfye my curiositye ”
but “ to do myselfe good and make some use of those slender
studyes and travells I have alreadye made.”

Henry Oxinden 's college career at Corpus Christi, then
under the headship of Dr. Anyan, was cut short by his
father's early death, and the necessity of taking responsibility
for the estate on which the family income depended. He was
at Oxford long enough to acquire a dilettante scholarship and
to make*a firm friendship with James Holt — a characteristic

xxiv

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

friendship, on the one side affectionate, open-hearted, ser-
viceable, on the other, such as a man gives who is much self-
absorbed, and more ready to accept than to render a generous
admiration. James Holt made his career in his old college ;
hence, in after years, it lay in his power to do his friend a
service. Whatever one may think of his efforts on behalf of
James Oxinden to obtain one of the two scholarships offered
to natives of Kent, so that the young man might transfer him-
self from St. John's College, Cambridge, where he already
held a scholarship of £5, to Corpus at Oxford ; however one
may estimate the wire-pulling, the soliciting in high places —
they were in intention generous and self-forgetful ; while
Henry's frantic campaign in his brother's interest — that well-
timed offering of the “ Silver Tun to the use of the colledge,'*
the lip-service to tutors he had scarcely known — is both so
ingenuous and so futile that one can almost, if not wholly,
pardon the garbled baptism certificate to which James, the
would-be Scholar, anxiously drew attention ; “ I pray you, if
you can conveniently, that you would not let the church book
be seene, but keepe it in the house, or else order the Figures
according to the writing that was sent up by Good[man]
Coper.”

Henry Oxinden 's tutor was Robert Hegge, whose letters to
Richard Oxinden, about that “ hopefull sonne, . . . the Map
and Epitomie ” of himself, and to Mrs. Oxinden, containing
how diplomatically Henry's portrait, “ growne very taull of
stature but withall very slender,” set in a most favourable
light a benefactor to his college of whom all too little is known.

And James himself, the coveted Corpus scholarship having
fallen to another man of Kent, Thomas Francklin of Ash-
ford (who afterwards gained a Fellowship), James remains on
at St. John's, neither very able nor perhaps very industrious,
frail in health, careless and extravagant. His tutors, at first
Francis Blechynden, then that excellent person Allen Hen-
man, and later Henry Fallowfeild, take an interest in his
career, qualified by the difficulty they experience in getting
money enough out of the Squire of Maydekin to pay tuition

xxv

THE OXINDEN LETTERS

fees and to keep James suitably clothed, fed and lodged.
“ The monyes you last sent/’ writes Sir Fallowfeild in exas-
peration, “ after a more then Spanish inquisition maide, was
heard of so shatterdly and by peace-meale payd him, it did
him litle or noe service. ... I petition for him you would
furnish him with monyes whereby decently he might ap-
parrell himself ... a Coll : goune will cover a multitude of
falts which a Country coate will discover to the eye of the
world ; he is well enough cloathed for a poore scholler in
St. Joh : Coll : but short of a Kentish gentleman.” The
tutor’s office, when many of the undergraduates in his charge
were mere children, called for a paternal supervision : Henry
Fallowfeild, however, drew the line firmly ; “ for the bed-
maker, landresse and the rest of that rable I medle not at
all.” The monies for which he pleads and for which James
pens laboriously queer, amusing, bombastic demands, full of
tags of Latin which he has reason to hope make a strong
appeal to Henry’s erudition, are very often already on the
road from Kent to Cambridge, in the hands of Dickenson the
carrier, or in any case are sent on speedily. Henry was not
ungenerous, but perennially short of cash and keenly alive to
James’s extravagance and his inability to keep count of the
allowances he actually received. Their relations were often
strained, but James took his degree at last, although even
then his expensive university training was not complete. In
preparation for orders Henry persuaded him to go to Oxford
for a term or two and there to pursue his theological studies,
“ to leame all the best commentators uppon each booke of the
old and new testament, and seing your time is short there,
dwell not upon any author but take a superficiall veiw of all
choice ones.”

One can but admire Henry’s persistence and ingenuity in
helping James to preferment ; anxiety and pains which at
last secured for him the small living of Goodnestone next
Faversham, where he married early and died before theJRe-
storation. Henry’s fraternal obligations did not cease when
James had become a beneficed clergyman of high episcopal

xxvi

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

notions. Richard, the next brother, had been apprenticed
by his father, shortly before he died, upon the advice of that
good kinsman, the younger Valentine Pettit, with a Mr. New-
man, a cloth merchant of Fish Street. Richard’s master,
“ much alter’d since hee hath beenemarryed,” proved entirely
unsuitable ; he bullied his apprentices and was all too ready
with the stick. Not that the rod, or an attack of the small-
pox, or even homesickness for the Kent hills, could depress
for long Dick Oxinden’s wild spirits. He went off at last,
swaggering, devil-may-care, whither he was better suited ;
he exchanged his cloth-rule for a sword, and joined his uncle,
gallant Colonel Proud, fighting in Guelderland.

There still remained one brother to be started in life,
Adam, youngest of the family, an afterthought bom in
1622 and named for Grandfather Sprakeling. By this time
Henry had secured a fresh link with the City of London, in
the person of his brother-in-law, Thomas Barrow, a mercer
in Cheapside, and of this he took ample advantage.

Thomas was an upright, simple, kind-hearted fellow, de-
votedly “ at command ” of his wife’s grand relations. At
Henry Oxinden’s behest, he found a master for Adam, one
Mr. Brooks, who dealt in merceryware on the Old Exchange.
Through many vicissitudes — and one thorn in Adam’s lot
was the fact that his family bought their gold and silver
ribbons and fringed gloves from Mr. Brooks and the account
stood unreasonably long — Thomas watched over the young
man like a father, fought his battles when he got into scrapes,
stood by him when he suddenly left the Exchange, pleaded
with the obdurate Henry and with Mrs. Oxinden’s petulancy
that they should not oppose his earnest wish to go to sea.
Clearly the Oxindens were not cut out for trade ; the routine
of business chimed ill with their independence and that love
of the free air inbred in them through centuries among the
Kentish downs. Ultimately, with the rest of his contem-
poraries, the Civil Wars claimed young Adam, though not for
very long ; he died at Oxford in January 1643 and was buried
there.

xxva

THE OXINDEN LETTERS

VI

The education of his sisters, Katherine and Elizabeth, cost
Henry Oxinden but few pence and little anxiety ; even when
it came to their marriages, Katherine Oxinden owed the
faithful Thomas Barrow to her uncle Sir James’s admirable
chaperonage. “ You shall finde me,” he writes, “ very care-
full for my neece Katherine’s good ; if he shall come hither
I shall tell him that a busines of this nature is first to be treate
of by frends, and that if his father will give way to it, he shalbe
welcome to me and by that I shall finde weather the younge
man deales really.”

The Oxinden sisters, “ Keate ”, Mrs. Barrow, absorbed
with her babies, her household cares, her mother’s prolonged
visitations at the Maydenhead, Barrow’s business house in
Cheapside ; “ Bess,” still young and gay, who draws her
modest allowance with such difficulty from Henry’s tight
purse that sometimes she is obliged to borrow a little in
anticipation from generous relations — these two are back-
ground figures in the great family piece.

They do not possess, at least at this stage of life, the dignity
of Margaret, Lady Oxinden of Dene, nor the harsh vigour of
their aunt, Mrs, Proud, once a Sprakeling of Ellington, nor,
fortunately, their mother’s self-importance. Neither have
they advanced much in literacy upon the elder generation.
Lady Oxinden, indeed, possesses the medical skill character-
istic of her times ; her opinion in illness is valued only second
to that of the learned graduate of Padua, Dr. Edmund Ran-
dolph of Canterbury. She can readily prescribe for her
sister-in-law, water for the wind, to be taken with sugar in a
tea-spoon, and “ rather cay it then drink it ” ; with tender
solicitude she visits young Mrs. Henry Oxinden on her dying
bed, and sends her an ointment for her aching forehead, a
cordial for her racking cough. She too is a slightly better
scholar, in so far as spelling is, in that age, any criterion, and
a better scrivener than the Sprakeling sisters. Mrs. Oxinden
and Mrs. Proud indite long letters and express themselves
with great freedom — even caustically at times, when their re-

xxviii

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

latives have omitted to pay their “ commendasiones ”, or, for
lack of correspondents they are “ a most in the mind that
there is som inpost set one inke an paper ”, but their method
of writing English is phonetic to a high degree, and embarrasses
the standardized notions of our own day. Henry Oxinden
did his sisters a great injustice when he left them as un-
learned as their mother and Mrs . Proud, and pitifully ashamed
of their lack of scholarship ; for their cousins, and their
generation as a whole, showed a marked advance in education.
Elizabeth Dallison, who is her mother, Lady Oxinden’s
scribe, modest as she is about her own powers, writes
a pretty script and a well-expressed letter ; between the
illiteracy of Mary Proud and the erudition of Elizabeth
Meredith of Leeds Abbey, Lady Oxinden’s accomplished
daughter-in-law, who is complimented by Queen Marie de’
Medicis, at the Court of St. Augustine’s, on her French accent,
there is a gulf fixed. Even Katherine Culling, Henry Ox-
inden ’s second wife, though her father was a yeoman, spends
four years at a boarding-school learning with gentlemen’s
daughters, and Sir Edward Boys, a neighbouring squire, sends
his girls from Fredfield to Ashford for their education. In-
deed Henry Oxinden ’s standard for his own daughters was,
when their time came, a vast improvement upon what had
sufficed for poor Keate and Bess.

VII

Richard Oxinden’s will provided for each of his younger
children the sum of three hundred pounds to be paid to the
three sons at the age of twenty-two, to the two daughters at
eighteen. The administration of the legacies was left in
Henry Oxinden ’s hands as his father’s heir. 1

There is nothing surprising in his at times rather heartless
anxiety to get his younger brothers and sisters off his hands*
As befitted the head of a family he married young, in 1632,
three years after his father’s death, making a suitable match

1 Arch . Cant., vi. p. 387.

XXIX

THE OXINDEN LETTERS

with Mistress Anne Peyton, a daughter of Sir Samuel Peyton
of Knowlton. Their son, Thomas, was baptised in February
1633; among the Letters is young Samuel Peyton’s elaborate
apology because his slender £< posse ” forbade his “ welle ” to
attend a nephew’s christening in far-off Kent. In place of
his former cares Henry had taken on others far nearer to his
heart.

The connection with his wife’s family, particularly with
her eldest brother Thomas, was to have great influence on
his after career. Sir Thomas Peyton was brother-in-law to
Dorothy Osborne, having married as his first wife her sister
Anne. Dorothy has drawn his portrait succinctly in one of
the famous Letters, “ an honest gentleman, in earnest, has
understanding enough, and was an excellent husband to two
very different wives as two good ones could be.” 1 Having
her verdict in mind one reads with the more interest the
worldly wisdom of Sir Thomas’s bachelor days : “ Mee
thinkes the Diamond showes best when t’is sett in gold, and
a comely face looks sweeter when it stands by the king’s
picture . . . necessity urges mee to observe that princely
rule somewhat stricter then I would, to marry for the good of
the state.”

Anne Oxinden’s figure, whether before or after her mar-
riage, scarcely more than passes across our stage. She was
a bride in 1632 ; eight years later she was dead. Her
brothers’, Thomas’ and Edward’s, boyish affection for
her, their amusing confidences, their regret at parting from'
so good a playmate ; Henry Oxinden’s letters to his
“ Sweete Love,” eminently practical, commending his
affairs, the rabbits, the silver plate, the fat peas, the barley,
into her hands, doubting not she will have a care of them all ;
her reassuring answer, with the girlish postscript “ Pray by
mee a morning peake, which will cost 5s., and forgeat not a
fumitur for my horse ” ; these, with Janssen’s portrait, are
all the material available for an appraisement of her. e

In the seventeenth century choice in marriage was largely

1 Dorothy Osborne's Letters (Everyman Series), p. 156.

XXX

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

a matter of parental forethought and of s.d. The com-
ment of a would-be bridegroom, Thomas Coppin, as yet
heart-free, to his uncle, Vincent Denne, indicates the worldly
wisdom which prevailed : “You know ”, he says, “ the
manner of this age is first to know what shee is worth. . . .
I beg your good love and counsell, whereto I shall be as
obedient as I am sure that will be sound and reasonable.”

A hint here and there ; for instance, Henry Oxinden’s
tardiness, under pressure both from his own family and the
Peytons, in making provision for Anne’s children, suggests,
perhaps unjustly, that his heart had not as yet been deeply
touched.

After a short year of widowerhood, towards the close of
1641 he was swept off his feet by an infatuation for his ward,
Katherine Culling, a girl barely seventeen years old — a
neighbour’s daughter. His family, especially his mother,
disliked all the circumstances of the courtship. Even Henry
himself declared that to remarry in this fashion meant the
abandonment of high ambition for a lifetime of obscurity and
narrow means ; yet he struggled uselessly against the spell
this young girl threw upon him : the poet in him conquered
the cynic ; the longing for companionship overset his cool
isolation.

Fiction could scarcely invent a stranger tale than that of
Katherine Culling ’s abduction by Frances Wilsford, the
Lady Baker. The motive for the attempt was supplied by
poverty and the demands of a large family of eight small
children. Lady Baker’s husband, Sir Thomas Baker, was the
elder son of Sir Richard Baker, High Sheriff of Oxfordshire,
and author of A Chronicle of the Kings of England which Sir
Roger de Coverley read all one summer. Sir Richard had
gone surety for the debts of his wife’s extravagant family, the
Mainwarings of Ightfield in Shropshire, with the result that
his last ten years of life (1635-1645) were spent in a debtor’s
prison, and in the Fleet he died. Sir Thomas and his brother,
generous-hearted and ashamed, in an endeavour to gain their
father’s freedom paid his debts in their turn until they

xxxi

THE OXINDEN LETTERS

too were ruined. And so the Lady Baker, probably already
driven to shelter under her father Sir Thomas Wilsford’s
roof at Ileden, a harassed mother catching at any straw, con-
ceived the wild, but in those days not original idea of enticing
to London a pretty rustic heiress — flattered already by her
Ladyship’s patronage — and of selling her hand in marriage
to some adventurer ; if by good fortune a few pounds might
reward her pains. So it happens that Katherine Culling, a
country lass, with an itch to see the great world and the king
a-riding through London, is to be sacrificed unwittingly on
the altar of Sir Richard Baker’s quixotism.

The plot comes to nothing because the victim has too much
“ discretion ” to fall headlong into the trap, and at the critical
moment runs away home, under the escort of her brother-in-
law, Michael Huffam.

The whole story is told in Henry’s letters to that most
sensible of confidantes, his cousin Elizabeth Dallison. Or
almost the whole : there is still an unsolved mystery, a letter
dated in November but without the year, from Robert Coul-
verden, Henry’s agent in London. What is the meaning of
its cryptic sentences ; of “ your desire as to the cuting of It
out of the book,” and of “ they dare not doe it by any means,
for feare of future danger.” The letter can hardly belong to
any other intrigue — was there actually a secret ceremony of
marriage between Katherine and the man Shelton, the Lady
Baker’s tool, up there in town ? Or, more probably, were
banns surreptitiously put in, and was the bride-to-be, not
unwillingly and a little alarmed, snatched away back to
Kingston on the wedding eve ? Be that as it may, she re-
turned to meet her guardian’s reproaches with disarming
innocence ; his relief at her safety made him perhaps un-
wary and he was already half in love. “ I advised her to be-
ware,” he wrote to his cousin Elizabeth, “ how and to whom
she married, and told her that her fortune and selfe deserved
a good match, five to one better than myself. To which
(casting her eies uppon mee, and as soone casting them downe
againe), shee replyed, * I know noe man I can thinke a better

xxxii

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

match or can ” — a hiatus in the MS. leaves the meaning little
in doubt. Within a few months, on September 15th, 1642,
Henry Oxinden, gentleman, was married, in Barham Church,
to Katherine Culling, aged eighteen. To meet the family
objection to her lack of gentility he impaled with his own
arms those of Matthew Parker ; his wife’s mother, Marie
Allen, having been the Archbishop’s niece. 1

VIII

This surprising episode, while it holds a mirror to the
manners of the day, brings into high relief the actors’ char-
acters. One knows Henry Oxinden better as he learns to
know his own heart : one sees through Mrs. Oxinden’s dis-
like of a “ young daughter ” to supplant her in the home
which she prefers to have centred round herself : one recog-
nises Katherine Culling as she really is, so cool and quick-
witted ; so artful, already so well-versed in the knack of
twisting a lover round her fingers. And incidently, one
realises at last the nobility of the other Henry Oxinden of
Dene. His cousin’s infatuation for a yeoman’s scheming
girl strikes him as inexplicable, deplorable, inexcusable ; not
because he cannot value true love, being himself a great lover,
the faithful servant of one “ deity ” ; but rather, at the crisis
of his country’s fortune, he can conceive of no pledge to be
given excepting only to England. England trembles on the
brink of civil faction ; “ itt is Mars, nott Venus, that now can
helpe ; shee is now so much outt of fashion that where shee
herselfe h^jre present, in all her best fashines, shee would be
the gazeing stock of contempt to all but lashe and effaeminat
mindes.” “ Were you butt heere,” he continues with ever-
growing fervour, “ to heare the drummes, see the warlike
postures and the glittering armour up and downe the towne,
and behold our poore bleeding libertis att stake, itt would
roqze your Sperits, if you have any left, socour that deepe
drousie lethergie you are now orewhelm’d in . . . were I not

1 Arch . Cant., vi. p. 284.
xxxiii

THE OXINDEN LETTERS

maried, I would not the fairest creature in this Kingdome att
this time, with ten thousand pounds.”

At such a time as this to learn of passing events from the
onlookers’ lips, to watch through their eyes the crises of
history, is of no small advantage. And in reading the
Oxinden Letters one becomes keenly aware of the gradual
fevering of a nation’s soul, the repercussion of national
tragedy on the mind of the individual Englishman.

Three whole kingdoms are “ face to face with bliss or
destruction ” ; confidence is shaken between boon compan-
ions, brothers, parent and child. Even in a limited area like
Kent the complexion of parties in East and West is forcibly
contrasted. In the East a majority of the gentlemen and
yeomen take up arms in response to the Militia Ordnance of
Parliament ; in the West the majority are obedient to the
King’s Commission of Array.

In matters of religion the Church’s robe is torn from the
top to the bottom : “ these parts are devided into so many
sects and schismes that certainly itt denotes the latter day to
bee very near at hand.” Bishop John Warner of Roches-
ter, Laud’s friend, the champion of Episcopacy, despairs
of a speedy, even of a happy ending to the nation’s per-
plexities.

Strafford’s head falls on the block ; yet one man at least is
bold to say he loved not murder with the sword of justice.
In Strafford’s ruin many others, including the Oxindens’
kinsman, Lord Treasurer Cottington, are involved. Hungry
craftsmen and women, whose only grievance is want of trad-
ing, crowd about the Parliament house ; never before have
such throngs of oppressed subjects petitioned so humbly for
redress and broken up so quietly. Sir Thomas Peyton goes
sadly home to Knowlton “ to expect what I am to suffer in
my cecunomicall government in this fiery declination of the
world.”

“I finde all heere full of feares and almost voyd of hope,”
writes Henry of Dene from London. What hope there is, he
discovers in the character of the Parliament leaders, above all

xxxiv

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

in John Pym’s stern purpose confronted only with Charles’s
patchwork of threat and promise.

IX

The limiting date of this volume has been determined by
the subject matter of the letters themselves. The year 1642
in public affairs marks the definite outbreak of civil war ; in
the family circle it finds Henry Oxinden entering on a new
phase of life, with his second romantic marriage and his
appointment as Vincent Denne’s executor, so full of conse-
quence for his future career. Up to this point the story of
his youth is rounded off.

At the same time this choice of date in many respects does
him injustice ; he is left at a moment when, the “ drowsy
lethargy ” of passion spent, he is becoming once more alert
and able to face his country’s dilemma. Readers of his
letters have guessed at his scholarly tastes, at his literary
preferences — sometimes a little irreverent — for the poetry of
Dr. Donne and the quaint Albion’s England of William
Warner : they have not as yet discovered in him a satiric
versifier, expressing his views on the growth of mushroom
sects through the medium of his Latin poems, the Religionis
Funus et Hypocrites Finis (1647) and the more effective Johns
Triumphans (1651). They have seen him selfishly absorbed ;
they cannot here watch how he gradually assumes the role of
•an intermediary, a member of no party and of all, a role in
which undeniably he did his country service. His complex
character is only half revealed ; the portrait stands upon its
easel not as yet completed.

The material for these further disclosures exists ; but the
extent to which it can be used must depend upon the interest
aroused by the unfinished sketch.

x

In printing the Oxinden Letters modem punctuation has
been adopted, the ordinary abbreviations extended, and a few

XXXV

THE OXINDEN LETTERS

obvious mistakes corrected. In other respects it is believed
that they stand as they were written.

The spelling of personal and of place names follows as
closely as possible contemporary use : thus Henry Oxinden
and his family spelt their surname in signatures with an i ; in
later times it was written Oxenden. Again, the signature of
Elizabeth Dallison has invariably two IV s ; to-day the second
l is dropped and “ Dalison ” is the family name. “ Dene ”
Manor is no doubt etymologically the correct form ; but the
Oxindens of this correspondence, who lived there, almost in-
variably wrote from 4 4 Deane ” Manor. The name of
Waldersheare (or sometimes Waldersheire) Wood on the
edge of Broome Park, is printed Walder chain on the Ordnance
map ; this is apparently a modem innovation.

The reader may find it helpful to remember the letter-
writers ’ habit of using 44 than ” where we should employ
44 then ” and vice versa ; 44 one ” is frequently used for 44 on,”
as well as for “ own,” and 44 on ” for 44 one ” ; 44 where ”
and 44 were ” often change places.

Henry Oxinden ’s handwriting in his rough-draft letters
presents great difficulties ; every effort has been made to
give correct readings. His 44 full dress ” script is, on the
contrary, exceedingly clear ; he employs a printing character
which much resembles the writing of Robert Hegge, his old
tutor at Corpus. James Holt uses the same kind of script ;
it was apparently in vogue at the college in the sixteen
twenties and thirties.

It is believed that the orthography of the letters will as a
rule offer no stumbling-block to the modem reader who
wishes to read them currently, without annoyance from
spelling vagaries. With some hesitation the letters of Mrs.
Richard Oxinden and Mrs. Proud have been printed as writ ;
to modernize them would be to destroy much of their amus-
ing character, and they are so few in number that the reader
unwilling to wrestle with certain riddles in phonetic spelling
may easily pass them over.

xxxvi

PART L 1607-1629

THE ELDER GENERATION AND THE
YOUTH OF HENRY OXINDEN OF
BARHAM

The Letter-writers (in italic) and their circle here introduced :

In Kent

The Oxindens

Sir Henry Oxinden, Kt. ( c . 1549-1620), Lord of the Manor of
Deane (Dene) in Wingham, Kent, m. first Elizabeth
Brooker, daughter and heiress of James Brooker of Maydekin,
Barham, (d. 1588) ; second Mary Theobald (“ My Lady
Mother ” of Letter I). His sons by his first marriage :
James Oxinden , (1586-1657), admitted Middle Temple June
30th, 1604 ; knighted at Whitehall, Nov. 17th, 1608 ; mar-
ried Sept. 27th, 1605, to

Margaret (Lady Oxinden), sister of Sir Roger Nevinson of Eastry.
Richard Oxinden , (1588-1629), admitted Middle Temple Jan.

24th, 1606 ; married Jan. nth, 1607, to
Katherine , sixth daughter of Sir Adam Sprakeling (see below).

The grandsons of Sir Henry Oxinden :

Henry , eldest son of Richard Oxinden, b. Canterbury, Jan. 18th,
1608 ; educ. Corpus Christi College, Oxford ; admitted
Gray’s Inn June 7th, 1632.

James , second son of Richard Oxinden, bap. Aug. 16th, 1612 ;

educ. St. John’s College, Cambridge.

Richard , third son of Richard Oxinden, bap. Dec. 12th, 1613 ;
apprenticed to Mr. Newman of Fish Street, London, cloth-
merchant.

The Sprakelings

Lady* Sprakeling (d. May 1627), Katherine Eastday or Esday,
widow of Sir Adam Sprakeling, Kt., of St. Paul’s, Canter-
bury, and Ellington, Isle of Thanet, who died 1610.

A

I

THE OXINDEN LETTERS

Of their seven sons and ten daughters the following appear here

with their spouses :

Judith, eldest da., (1580-1633), m. John Johnson of Nethercourt,
Isle of Thanet.

Mary , fourth da., (b. 1583), m. Lieut.-Col. William Proud or
Prude.

Katherine , sixth twin da., (1587-1642), m. Richard Oxinden.

Margery, seventh da., (b. 1587), m. Francis Tilghman of Snodland
and Sarre.

Frances, eighth da., (b. 1590), m. Francis Saunders of Monkton,
Isle of Thanet.

Hanna, tenth da., (1599-1641), m. Henry Pettit.

The Pettits

Valentine Pettit , (d. 1626), of Daundelion, Isle of Thanet ; son of
Henry Pettit ; m. first, Mary Cleve, second, Martha
Henneker, widow. Children by his first marriage :

Henry, m. 1622 Hanna Sprakeling, d. Feb. 13, 1624-5, buried in
Denton Church.

Valentine , (b. 1596), m. Elizabeth, da. of Clement Morse, Comp-
troller of the Chamber of London ; a London cloth worker.

Paul, a lawyer in Canterbury.

Cleve, (b. 1599), a soldier.

Elias, (b. 1602), pensioner, of Emmanuel College, Cambridge
1619 ; M.A. 1626.

Elizabeth, m. William Parker.

The grandchildren of the elder Valentine :

Henry, son of Henry and Hanna Pettit (b. posthumously, Sept.
1625, d. 1662), known as “ Captain Pettit of Daundelion.”

Martha (Matt) Henneker, grand-daughter of Mrs. Valentine*
Pettit by her first marriage.

Some Kentish gentlemen : Sir Richard Hardres of Hardres Court ;
Sir Thomas Palmer of Wingham ; Vincent Denne of Denne-
hill and later of Great Wenderton ; Robert Bargrave of
Bifrons ; Dr, Jacob Vanderslaert of Sandwich, a Huguenot
physician.

At Oxford

Robert Hegge . Fellow and Tutor, C.C.C.

James Holt . Fellow, C.C.C.

From the Middle Temple

Charles Tripp of New Inn.

2

THE ELDER GENERATION

INTRODUCTORY

i. Public Affairs. 1607-1629

The historic interest of this first group of Letters (I-XXXII)
centres in Dr. Balcanquall’s letter to Sir James Oxinden (Letter V).
It gives a contemporary account of that crucial moment in the
Thirty Years’ War which opened the brief and tragic sovereignty
of the Winter King of Bohemia and his queen, Elizabeth, daughter
of James I. 1 In June 1619 Christopher von Dohna arrived in
England on a mission from the Union of Protestant Princes to
secure a promise of support from James I, as well as his consent
to the acceptance by his son-in-law, Frederick V, the Elector
Palatine, of the crown of Bohemia.

Dohna remained at the English Court (where Balcanquall was
apparently in attendance) until September 26th, 1619, when he
left Theobalds with no more conclusive reply than James’s refusal
to decide on his own policy until he was assured of the justice of
Frederick’s cause. His departure was followed immediately by
the despatch of John Digby, first Earl of Bristol (“ My Lord
Dichbie ”) on an errand of characteristic caution to Spain ; for
while James would give no decided encouragement to Frederick,
he protested to Ferdinand his right to assent to his son-in-law’s
election. However, on September 28th, Frederick accepted the
sovereignty of Bohemia ; on November 4th he was crowned at
Prague. His pending departure from the Palatinate seemed to
offer a loophole for attack. Balcanquall says that the towns of
Brabant were in mutiny against the imposition of fresh levies for
this projected expedition, and that Frederick’s brother, Frederick
Henry of Nassau, Prince of Orange (Count Henry), was prepar-
ing a stubborn resistance.

Meanwhile, in August 1619, that strange personage, Bethlen
Gabor, Prince of Transylvania, set on foot an expedition in aid of
the Bohemians, and when Balcanquall wrote on September 27th,
the news of his capture of Upper Hungary had already reached
England. The Archduke Leopold hastily summoned the Bra-
ban$on Count de Bucquoy back from Bohemia to defend the
Austrian Duchies, At the moment the auguries seemed favour-
able to the new king. On the other hand the Venice Seigniory
had decided against his maintenance at Prague and was allowing
Spanish troops to pass through Venetian territory.

1 Cf. Camb. Modern Hist. y vol. iv. (Thirty Years* War), pp. 28-34, etc.

3

THE OXINDEN LETTERS

The affairs of the Princess Elizabeth were of special interest to
Sir James Oxinden because of the close association with her for-
tunes of his near neighbour, Sir Francis Nethersole of Wymlings-
wold (Wymynswold). In 1619 Nethersole became Secretary to
James Hay, Viscount Doncaster (“ my Lord of Doncaster ”)
during his mission to Austria, simultaneous with that of Baron von
Dohna.

Only a few days before the date of Balcanquall’s letter, on
Sept. 19th, 1619, Nethersole had been knighted at Theobalds.
At the same time he was appointed agent to the Princes of the
Protestant Union and Secretary to the Electress Palatine. Bal-
canquall adds to his budget some scraps of home news. As he
surmises, the Trial of Thomas Howard, Earl of Suffolk, late Lord
Treasurer, in the Star Chamber for extortion, bribery and em-
bezzlement of crown jewels, ended (Nov. 1619) in ten days*
imprisonment in the Tower both for himself and his Countess, as
well as a fine of £30,000 and the restoration of their ill-gotten
gains.

From time to time other fragments of news from the various
seats of war reach the Kentish families in letters of their more
travelled sons. Elias Pettit (Letter XI) writes from Cambridge
of a scarce book he has seen, both in MS. and printed copies, on
the subject of “ the Massacre at Amboyna ” in 1624, when eigh-
teen Englishmen were arrested and tortured, and twelve of them
executed by the Dutch governor, Van Speult, for a supposed con-
spiracy to surprise the fort. Another of the young Pettits, Cleeve,
was besieged in Breda, which was captured by the Spaniards under
Spinola, June 1625.

Thomas Coppin, the traveller, made use of “ a man of warre ”
going with the Lord Vere, to cross over to Holland in July 1627,
(Letter XXIV). Sir Horace Vere, Baron Vere of Tilbury,
crossed in the first instance in the summer of 1620, with 2000*
volunteers permitted by King James to go to the assistance of the
Elector Palatine, and he remained in Holland until his death in
action in 1629- When he shared his ship with Thomas Coppin it
must have been on some occasion of his taking leave to England.
During Thomas’s stay at Leyden, in November 1627, occurred the
disaster to Buckingham’s troops which in the previous summer he
had landed on the island of Re off La Rochelle. The English
were compelled to re-embark, their numbers reduced by r half
(Letter XXVI). Peace between England and France (Letter
XXXII) was concluded April 24th, 1629.

4

THE ELDER GENERATION

In Part II Thomas Coppin’s Letters (XXXVII and XLII)
deal with the descent of Colalto through the Grisons upon the
Italian plain during the War of the Mantuan Succession. “ Terror,
rapine and plague followed in their train for the inhabitants of
the Valtelline. ,, 1

2. Domestic Affairs

Henry Oxinden preserved among his correspondence a few
letters belonging to the generation of kinsfolk immediately before
his own. They form an introduction to his youthful period, his
college days at Corpus Christi, Oxford, his studies under Robert
Hegge and friendship with James Holt ; contrasted with these are
the travel letters of his cousin, Thomas Coppin, and the descrip-
tions of the life of a London apprentice led by his brother Richard.

I

RICHARD OXINDEN to HIS BROTHER, JAMES OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f. II]

Lovinge Brother,

I kindly recommend my love unto you. I cannot be
so unthankfull as to leave you unsaluted in thes few lines, you
havinge given mee the first occasione by your kinde letter ;
with the acknowledgment of youre harty affectione and tender
of youre imployment, which I shalbe redy in as large and
ample manner to requite as it is by you frely offred, even with
my best indeavoures in any youre occasiones ; with your
desire of this muteall entterchange of oure letteres, as the
increase of oure never changable loves, the only meanes
absence affordes to well affected mindes to shew there loving
dispositione.

Pray remember my humble dutie to my Father and my
harty commendaciones unto my Lady Mother, my Sister
youre wife and all oure other lovinge frendes at home, with
those at Canterbury when you see them. So I bid you
hartily farewell.

Your loving brother

Richard Oxinden

1 Camb. Mod. Hist., vol. iv. p. 60.

5

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1607

Middle Temple, Londone, this 7 May, 1607

[Noted on the back in Henry Oxinden’s hand : “ This letter was
written by Mr. Richard Oxinden, father of Hen: Oxinden of
Barham.”]

II

JAMES OXINDEN to RICHARD OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f. 13]

Brother Richard,

Though I have smale time at this present to write, yet out
of my love I could not but give you notice of a dutie you have
neglected, that is to write to my father. I have herd him
often speake of you and marvell much that paper and inke
should in London be so scarse as in this time not to afford
him one sheete ; faile him not the next weeke though you
followe it. I dare say it will be very welcome ; t’is a token
of great love in a father to be desierous to here from his child.
Thus hopinge you will not let slip opportunitie I rest

Thy loving brother

James Oxinden

From Wingham
this 11 of May 1607

III

RICHARD OXINDEN to JAMES OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f - I2 ]

Lovinge Brother,

Youre frendly advice, least you might hereafter desist
from thes kinde corses, cannot let mee leave you unrequited
and go unthanked in this my letter, the only meanes that at
this time stirrs up my dull spirites, not used to many letteres,
especially in one day, which, least now I might offend, I have
undertaken, in which I will use brevitie rather than prove
unmanarilly not to write at all. Were my inventione'soe
ripe and apt as youres, or at least so plentiful as my inkp and
paper, I wold be more forward, and afforde volumes in stedd

6

ELIZABETH BROOKER, FIRST WIFE OF SIR HENRY OXINDEN OF DEANE.
From a portrait by Marc Ghaeraedts, in the possession of Pawsey & Payne
Photographer, Donald Macbeth.

1607] THE ELDER GENERATION

of letteres, but I have other studies where in I now intend to
spend my spirites, and so have iust excuse to spare my writ-
inge till thats finished ; so commendinge myselfe to youre
wife my sister I bid you hartely fare well.

Your everloving brother,

Richard Oxinden

Middle Temple London this 14 of May 1607

IV

CHARLES TRIPP to RICHARD OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f. 14]

[Charles Tripp of New Inn, admitted March 26th, 1603, and in
1618 “ A Master of the Utter Bar ”, was a neighbour of Richard
Oxinden’s in Wingham ; his father, John Tripp, and subse-
quently he himself, lived at Trapham, now a gabled brick farm-
house on the left-hand side of the Canterbury road, about half a
mile west of the village. Being slightly senior at the Bar to
Richard Oxinden and his brother James, he stood surety for each
of them in turn on their admission to the Middle Temple. In
1608 he was in chambers with Francis Pollard. He married first
Rose Harfleet, daughter of Sir Christopher Harfleet of Ash, and,
at her death, Katherine Bell, the mother of his three sons, Charles,
John and Christopher. His monument may be seen in the south
chapel of Wingham Church near those of his friends the Oxindens;
it bears the epitaph :

“ Charles Tripp, councillor-at-law, justice of the peace in the
county of Kent, died at his house at Trapham in the parish of
Wingham, Jan. 12th, 1624.”

The “ holy bread land ” referred to in his letter was land
charged, in pre-Reformation times, with the payment of “ holy
bread silver ”, probably to the College of Priests at Wingham.]

Mr. Richard Oxinden,

I hartely salute you. Uppon the receipt of your letter
with as much haste as with convenience I might I bought
your glasses according to your directions and have sent them
downe in a basket packed upp, by White, the Cant, post, with
what charge I cold for theyr safe Cariage ; your 6 dozen of
glasse plates and 6 bowles cost me 33s. with the baskett, allso

7

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1608

your hampers you shall receive by the post of Sandwich
accordinge to your letter, being about the price you writt to
me of. I have taken what care my buisines and leasure will
afoord in theis thinges ; I wish they may be to your content-
ment, soe pray lett my good entention excuse me from blame
though my acctions deserve them.

I have allso payd your rent to the receivers for your holy
bread land, and for the same have sent you an acquittance, so
as I hope you and your tenant wilbe for your tyme at quiett
for that land. For your sute against Tibold I will make all
the speed I can therein. His day to appeare here is one
Saterday next, at what tyme we shall knowe whether he en-
tends to stand out with you or noe. Sir I ame in some hast,
therefore ame enforced to be short, with my best wishes and
kind commendations I give you a harty farewell.

Your loving frend

Cha: Tripp

Middle Temple London , this qth Novemh: 1608

V

WALTER BALCANQUALL to SIR JAMES OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f. 16]

[The writer of Letter V, Walter Balcanquall (1586?— 1645) was
educated at Edinburgh University and Pembroke College, Oxford
(Fellow, Sept. 1611). He became Chaplain to James I and
Master of the Savoy. James sent him to the Synod of Dort as
representative of Scotland, although “ no friend to his national
church ”. There he was associated with John Hales, and when
Hales left Dordrecht, during the spring of 1619, Balcanquall re-
ported proceedings to Sir Dudley Carleton, Ambassador at the
Hague ; many of his letters are published in Hales's Golden
Remains . He cannot long have returned from Holland when he
wrote to Sir James Oxinden so fully about current events. How
their friendship originated we do not know, but later in his career
Balcanquall had ties with the neighbourhood. On Sept. 21st,
1624, he married at Bishopsbourne (formerly Hooker’s Church)
Elizabeth, widow of Sir William Hammond of St. Albans Court,
and a daughter of Sir Anthony Aucher of Bourne Park, a near

8

1619] THE elder generation

neighbour of the Oxindens. In 1624 he became Dean of
Rochester, and from 1632-39 held with his other preferments the
Rectory of Kingston, a parish lying in the Lesser Stour valley
between Barham and Bishopsbourne. This he resigned on
accepting the Deanery of Durham. Balcanquall was an
ambitious, pushing man, but of tried loyalty to the Royalist
cause. He died at Chirk Castle just after Naseby field, 1 ]

Sir,

I can not obtain leave of my selfe to be so unmanerlie
as not to remember yowr great courtesies, which since my
fortune doth not give me leave to requyte, I must take leave
to acknowledge. Nor can these fewe lynes express that
which is within,

parva loquuntur grates ingentes stupentes.

The newes concerning Bohemia which yow may tryst to
are these : at Tibolls Baron Dona, the Palsgrave his Ambas-
sador, had his dispatch, the summe whereof was thus. The
King receaved from him the iust and trewe reasons which
mooved the Estates of Bohemia to expell Ferdinando and
choose the Palatin. Under the Estates of Bohemia theire
owne hands these reasons mooved the King no litle, who be-
fore that tyme did not seem much to applawde the proceed-
ings of the Bohemians.

Hereupon the King hath sent poast to Spain one of My
Lord Dichbie his men with these reasons which were de-
livered by Baron Dona, and desyreth to knowe of the King of
Spain why he himselfe may not as lawfully assist his sone law-
fully elected as he doeth his cosin lawfully expelled, and in
mean tyme hath returned Baron Dona home, with a request
unto his sone that til he can hear again from Spain the whole
busines may be continewed with as much peace as may be ;
so as yet the business standeth thus for the King his part :
but it is most certein that the Palsgrave, by the advyse of al
the princes of the Union except the King, is gone to accept
the ctowne therof ; here it is not permitted to any preacher to
pray for him by the name of the King of Bohemia. Their

1 For a summary of the historical events in this letter see p. 3.

9

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1619

hath been in Bruxells, Antuerpe, Mechlin and other towns of
Brabant great mutinies becawse of newe impositions layed upon
them by the Arch Duke for the levying of these newe forces
which are marched up to assist Ferdinando ; it is thought
they mea [MS. torn] to spoyle the Palsgrave his cowntrey
while he himselfe is nowe gone for Bohemia, but the Estates
verie bra [MS. torn] have sent foorth ane sequal power both
of horse and foote under the conduct of Count Henry, the
Prince of 0 [MS. torn] his brother, who marcheth on this
syde of the Rhine [MS. torn] against them ; foot for foot to
see that they doo n [MS. torn]. At this tyme the Bohemians
have Count de Buckoy, 1 the General of Ferdinando his armie,
in a great straight, so as it is thowghtthat the seidge can hardly
be releived. The Palatine his syde commeth to be verie
strong by the lyke accident which hath fallen in Hungarie, for
the States their have expelled their king too, and elected into
his place the Prince of Transilvania, a verie valiant prince,
who hath entred in league with the Palsgrave against the
house of Austria as their common enemie. So that the King
of Spain had almost no way left him for sending of forces to
the assisting of his cosen, but that the Venetians at this tyme,
to the great discontent of the Princes of the Union, have con-
cluded a peace with Spain, so that nowe through their terri-
tories, (which before this peace they hindered), the King of
Spain may send forces from Millan and uther places of
Italy.

The Court newes heir we none, but that the King afresch
again is verie much offended with the officers of his howse,
and hath granted owt a commission for the reforming of their
abuses. Mr. Nethersole, yowr countryman, late Secretarie
to my L. of Doncaster, is knighted Sir Francis and made
Secretarie to the Lady Elizabeth and agent for his Ma tie with
the Princes of the Union. My L. of Suffolk his tryal holdeth
in the Starre Chamber at the beginning of the terme ; I
am much affrayed that the Tower will be a pairt Of his
Sentence.

1 Bucquoy.

10

1619] THE ELDER GENERATION

This is al, but that, as one addition to your former
curtesies, I must intreat you to remember my best service
to all of your worthie familie, as it is in the psalme to al of
them, young men and maids, old men and babes. I hope
by this tyme Marie and Martha have both of them chosen
the better pairt ; if they have not done so, that they may
doo so tel them that it is not only a pairt of my wisches but
of my prayers too ; if yowr woorthie father, mother and
Ladie be wel I accownt it a great pairt of my happiness,
for it is a great pairt of my temporal ambition to perswade
yow al to beleeve that their liveth no man over whom
yow have more power then over

Yowr most affectionat freind
and servant

Hampton Cowrt this Walter Balcanquall

27 of September [1619] iust
as I am going for cambarige

VI

SIR RICHARD HARDRES to RICHARD OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f * I §]

[The name of Sir Richard Hardres (a son of Sir Thomas Hardres
of Hardres Court and Eleanor, daughter of Henry Thoresby,
Master in Chancery) is outstanding in the history of the Great
Rebellion in Kent ; in 1643 it appears in the list of the Committee
of Kent, although Sir Richard afterwards “ stood for the King ”
and besieged Dover Castle at the head of 2000 Royalists.

For seven centuries there were Hardres at Hardres Court. To
one of Sir Richard’s ancestors, Sir Thomas Hardres, King Henry
VIII gave his dagger, the handle encrusted with jasper ; he gave
also the gates of Boulogne, taken when that town was captured in
1544, and they stood at Hardres Court, built into a wall at the
garden entrance, until broken up in the nineteenth century for the
weight of iron nails and studs. Now the family has come to an
end, and the last Hardres sleeps with the first in the old church on
the hig*h downs close to their home.

Sir Richard Hardres married Ann, daughter of Sir Peter God-
frey, who also figures in these pages.]

11

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1622
Honored Cosin,

I am much indebted to you for lettinge your man
bringe ouer the hawke unto mee, whome we got to call her
loose but were like not to see her againe that night, for the
hawke is not in case to flie, nether will shee be in his keepinge,
wherefore if it please you to leave her with mee fowre or five
days my man shall make her comming, and then I will give
you as much money for her as any man, soe with my service
remembred unto yourselfe and your vertuous mother I rest
Your assured lovinge kinsman
to command

Hordes Court Ri: Hardres.

October 3. 1622

VII

DR. JACOB VANDERSLAERT to LADY SPRAKELING

[MS. 27,999, f * 2 °]

[Sandwich was at this time the home of numerous Huguenot re-
fugee families, of French or Flemish origin. Some of the Vander-
slaerts appear, at a later date, to have migrated to Canterbury, for
the baptism of “ Jean, fils de Mr. Jean Vander Slaert mede-
cin ”, on November 14th, 1630, occurs in the Register of the
Strangers’ Church in the Cathedral Crypt, while “ Abigail vefue
(sic) de feu Jean Jacob Vander Slaet (sic) ” stood sponsor for Jean
Oger on November 16th, 1634.]

Sandwici-Laus Deo - 10 Decembris
An 0 Salutis 1622

Madame,

With my hartye salutations unto your Ladyeshyp.
These are to let you understaund that I have receyved your
water, Ioked there upon, and shewed your greefes at large
unto the bearer hereof and doe sende you to ease the same,
with God his favourable blessing, a good and confortable
drincke, which you shall take at 3 or 4 tymes evening and
morning warme. Also I sende you 5 or 6 ownces of verie
good syrups of our owne making, of maydenheare and colts-

12

1622] THE ELDER GENERATION

foote, of which you shall use as often as you please ; they are
verie effectuall and cordiall and pectorall. I sende you also
hot and code baume water, bothe verie good. So com-
mending your Ladyeshyp unto God's happye and safe tuition,
with harty salutations unto your loving sonne and daughter
Mr. Oxinden, as also unto your kinde sonne and daughter
Mr. Petyt, I cease and rest your assured freinde

Jacob Vanderslaert

VIII

VALENTINE PETTIT to HENRY PETTIT

[MS. 27,999, f - 2I 1

Matt Henneker beeing unable and unfitt to serve your
tourne, and my wife beeing unwillinge that shee should com
home, eyther hither or to her fathers, (allthough wishing that
shee had beene fitt for your service, and that shee might have
continued with you for some yeares), hath provided for her
with M ns Eppes, who haveing now but one mayede and ser-
vant, and desireth to have her as soone as possible may bee,
to the end that shee should not lose that service and be un-
provided, purposeth to sende for her abowte Satterdaye next,
or Mondaye at the furthest ; and beecause shee would not
have my daughter your wife to bee destitute of one to serve
her tourne, shee purposeth to send Matt Samsonn to bee in
her steade, for 3 weekes or a month, if your other mayde com
not in the meane time, which I thought fitt heereby to geive
you notice of, least if you had no knowledge heereof, it might
bee thought to bee over sodden — Thus praying god to bless
you and all yours, and to remember mee and my wife to my
Ladye, your Brother and Sister Oxenden, your wife and the
rest of our freindes, I commende you to God.

Your loving father

Val: Pettit

Daundelion the 26 th of Aprill 1624

13

THE OXINDEN LETTERS

IX

SAME to SAME

[MS. 27,999, f - 22]

To his loveing Some, M r Henry Pettit, at Denton, geve theise
zoi th speede.

Sonne,

I thanke you for your Care and paines abowt enquire-
ing and provideing Sheepe for mee, I pray you continue your
purpose intended and see the butcher’s Sheepe one Tues-
daye next, and if you and your freinde do like of them and
the Peniworth, then I pray you buy them for mee, and the
money shall bee readye and bee paid for them when and
wheare you shall appoint, and spare your Journey if I may
be assured how to do it. I wish it might bee at Sandwich
for the more ease, if hee like so of it.

My daughter Henneker and her husband are now heere
and I thinke will sende for their Daughter tomorrow and so
my wife will sende to Goodenston for her, being somwhat
neere us then Denton, and the rather beecause there is no
neede of sendeing anie other to you from hence to bee in her
stead, as it seemeth. So with my harty salutations remem-
bred and my wives to your sellfe, your wife and the rest of our
freindes, I commende you to God and rest

Your loveing father

„ _ . Val: Pettit

Daundehon this last

of Aprill 1624

ROBERT HEGGE to RICHARD OXINDEN
[MS. 27,999, f- 24]

[1. Henry Oxinden at Oxford

Henry Oxinden’s name appears in the Matriculation Register
of Corpus Christi College for 1626 (Hen. Oxenden arm. f.) * but

1 Fowler, Hist, of C.C.C., 1893, p. 453.

H

1624] THE ELDER generation

in none of the official College Books nor in Fulman’s Lists. This
may be accounted for by his having left college suddenly on his
father’s early death. His friend James Holt (Letter XXIX) writes
anxious enquiries about his expected return.

Henry’s Diary contains a few short passages which bear upon
his Oxford career. 1

44 June 1624. — My father and Mr. Edward Aldy went with mee
to Oxford, returned, I mean they returned, June 19.”

44 March 1, 1626. — My Father sent me 20 11 when I proceeded
Batchelor of Arts.”

“ I tooke the degree of Batchelor of Arts Ap. 1st, 1627.”

44 July 2, 1627. — Fell sick at Oxford of a pestilential feaver.”

Two Latin orations, one beginning 44 Non a me Ciceronis
Eloquentia expectanda est (auditores) ”, delivered at Corpus in
1625 and 1626, together with some verses on the death of King
James I, also written at Oxford, are preserved among Henry
Oxinden’s papers. 2

Edward Aldy or Aldey, at this time and for forty-nine years
Minister of St. Andrew’s Church, Canterbury, was appointed
Canon of the Eleventh Prebend of the Cathedral in succession to
John Gerard Vossius. Aldy was buried in St. Andrew’s ; the
church is now demolished but his monument may still be seen in
the porch of the later adjacent building. There are letters of his
among the Oxinden MSS. ; he was evidently an intimate friend
of the family and possibly, from his accompanying Henry to
Oxford, may have been his tutor.]

[2. Robert Hegge

Fowler’s History of Corpus Christi College tells us that Henry
Oxinden’s tutor, Robert Hegge, was 44 admitted 1614, * a prodigy
of his time for forward and good natural parts ’ according to
Wood, died when only thirty and was buried in the College
Chapel, leaving behind him several MS. works, which included
the * Legend of St. Cuthbert with the Antiquities of the Church
of Durham ’, a 4 Treatise of Dials and Dialling ’ still in the College
Library, . . . and the MS. 4 Catalogus ’ of Fellows and Scholars of
C.C.C.” (p. 183). Hegge’s Catalogue was kept up for 300 years
and has only recently been replaced by a new volume because the
old one was full. In a memoir prefixed to the 1816 edition of
St. Cuthbert by the editor, John Brough Taylor, Robert is said to
have Been the son of Stephen Hegge, Notary-Public in Durham,
(whose death, referred to in Letter XXIX, drew him back to the

1 Genealogist , vol. xxxi. p. 132. 2 Brit. Mus. Add. MS. 28,009, f. 71.

15

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1624

North), and of Anne, daughter to Dr. Robert Swyft, a native of
Rotheram in Yorkshire, Prebendary of the First Stall in Durham
Cathedral, forty years Rector of Sedgefield, and Chancellor of
the Diocese.

Robert Hegge owed his education, at least in part, to his
widowed grandmother, Mrs. Anne Swyft of the South Bailey ;
she bequeathed twenty pounds a year “ for the better maintenance
of her grandson, during his courses through the Schools ” ; he
entered Corpus at the age of fifteen. Mrs. Swyft was a daughter
of Thomas Leaver, “ a noted preacher and Master of Sherburn ”,
which fact may account for Hegge’s address at Sherburn Castle
during his vacation in November 1625. She left among her
valuables “ one figure of Sent Cudbert with jewels and ivory ” ;
this precious image may have suggested to her grandson the sub-
ject of his book : his pleasure in Mrs. Oxinden’s present of an
embroidered bible shows that he too possessed artistic tastes.
The President of Corpus Christi College at this time (1614-1629)
was Dr. Thomas Anyan, a native of Sandwich, (we hear of his
journeying into Kent). Complaint was made against him to the
House of Commons for “ misdemeanours in the government of
the college and other enormous offences, unworthy of his calling.”
This was, however, subsequent to Henry Oxinden’s Oxford days.
Dr. Anyan became Rector of Cranley and a Canon of Canterbury,
in the twelfth Prebend ; he was buried in the Cathedral, Jan. 17th,
1632/3 (Letter XXXIII).]

Worthie Sir,

If I should not by that short acquaintance with you in
Oxford conceive the whole current of your generous disposi-
tion, I should be as injurious to your worth as a profess’d
Mathematition to his Art, that (with Pythagoras) could not,
by the print of Hercules his foot in the sand, proportion in
symmetric his whole bodie. But I have more then a foot-
step to ground upon ; I have with me the Map and Epi-
tomie of yourself, your hopefull sonne who (I doubt not but)
will be as well heir to your vertues as possessions : whose
civil and studious disposition is not for me to commend :
tutors in prayse of their scholars being least to be beleived of
all others. But I hope, as you left him with me ingenuous
and vertuously disposed, to restore him not infected with the

j6

1624] THE ELDER generation

predominant vices of the time, but pure, uncorrupted and
qualified with those sciences which best are suitable for a
gentleman. I received your token by this bearer, for which,
till the Philosopher’s stone be found out, we scholars can
only repay our friends with thanks and good wishes.

I had commended my service long er this in writing to
you if Mr. Anyan had not been addressing himself for his
Kentish iorney this moneth and yet is not gon. I pray re-
member my kinde love to Mr. Aldy and (if I may be so bolde
as unknowne) my love and service to your wife, for I am sure
I have her iewel and the Loadstone of her thoughts which I
hope will draw you and her now and then to Oxford. Thus
in hast I rest

Yours to his power

Robert Hegge

From CXC in Oxon
Sept . 5 th. 1624

XI

ELIAS PETTIT to HENRY PETTIT

[MS. 27, 299, f. 26]

[Elias Pettit was a Pensioner of Emmanuel College, Easter 1619,
B.A. 1622 and M.A. 1626. 1 The book to which he refers was
evidently : A True Relation / of the late Unjust , Cruel and Bar-
barous I Proceedings against the English / at Amboyna in the East
Indies / by the Netherlanders there / Upon a forged Pretence of a
Conspiracy of the said English . This was first published in 1624
and was followed by a series of pamphlets, Dutch and English,
discussing the supposed conspiracy. 2 ]

Cambridge Novemb. 1. 1624

Brother,

If unity and similitude of affection be the ground of
frendship, then must it needs be true of that betweene
Brothers, which adds a second string to the bowe and maks

1 Venn, Matriculations and Degrees , 1544-1659, p. 526.

2 C/. Camb., Mod, Hist., vol. iv. p. 941.

B 17

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1624

a double indissoluble knott. I have lately heard of your
wellfare and can doe noe lesse then congratulate the same
unto you, now especially after soe long an intermission. Be-
sides I have received from you by Sir Busher 2s. 6d. as a
token of your love, for which together with the rest from
tyme to tyme continued, I give you many thanks. My
sister, as I heard by our brother Parker’s letter, hath of late
not beene well, I should be glad to hear of her recovery and
soundnes of health. I heare likewise that our father hath
heard of Cleevs being among the beseeged in Bredas. I be-
seech the Almighty to preserve him these perilous tymes and
to use him as an instrument in his owne cause against the
furie of his and oure enemies. I have lately seene the booke
of the cruell proceedings of the Hollanders against the
English in the East Indies, which indeed was most barbarous. 1
It may be you have seene the booke likewise, but it is as yet
very scarce to be come by, notwithstanding I have seene it
both written and printed, but I suppose it will scarce be
published or at least not in hast, for I suppose it will breed a
generall distast if not enmity betweene us and them. Thus
with my love and best wishes to yourselfe with my kinde
sister, as likewise to your Brother Oxenden, I rest
Your assured loving Brother

Elias Pettit

XII

JOHN JOHNSON to RICHARD OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f. 231]

[The writer of Letter XII, John Johnson of Nethercourt, Isle of
Thanet, was Richard Oxinden’s brother-in-law, and married to
Judith, eldest da. of Sir Adam Sprakeling. “ My Lady ”, evi-
dently Lady Sprakeling, recovered, and survived till May 1627.]

Brother Oxinden,

We are hartely glad of your health and are h&rtelye
sorrye to heare of my Ladyes sicknes, prayinge to God to
1 For historical note see p. 4.

18

1624] THE elder generation

restore her to her former health. Thinke it noe want of
good will I come not over unto you, for I assure you noe
frend whatsoever would I come unto rather then yourself.
Our haukes are nought and our horses wourse and unlesse
theye mende I shall fall to my ould sporte of pouchinge
agayne. We hartely thanke you for your rabitts and are
sorrye we have nothing worthye to send you. My wife re-
membereth her duetye unto her mother and her love unto
my sister and yourselfe and my brother Pettit and sister, and
prayeth you to excuse her in regard of her nurserye that she
cannot come. I feare fish will hardlye be had, because, as I
here, a Londoner hath bought what might be gotten, not-
withstandinge I have stayed your monye till Satterdaye,
which if I can bestowe I will ; if not I will send it you agayne.
We have hares good store. Hopinge to see you here at your
best leasure with my brother Pettit,

Your ever lovinge brother

John Johnson

XIII

ELLYN KINTON to LADY SPRAKELING

[MS. 27,999, f - 2§ ]

[Ellyn Kinton was probably the widow of John Kinton or King-
ton, Vicar of St. Dunstan’s, Canterbury, 1606-13.]

My very good Lady,

I am very sorry to heare of the heavynes of the good
gentlewoman Mrs. Petit your Daughter for the losse of her
husband. I see that God taketh away dayly of my good
freinds and I am left to live in [MS. torn] and great neede, as
I purpose by word of mouth more fully shortly to signifie
unto your good Ladyship. In the meane time I crave leave
to renew myne old suite about my ten pounds that I [left] in
your Ladyship’s hands, that I may be at some certaintie
where to call for it, or the profitt of it, yf God should call your
Ladyship and good Master Oxenden away, for he indeed did
promise before witnesses that he would see the profitt payd,
but I see the young to goe as well as the old, which maketh

19

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1624

me the more doubtfull, especially seeing I have nothing to
shew for it, your Ladiship keeping the band 1 in your hands ;
and as long as you live I make no doubt, but, being we are all
mortall, your Ladiship will pardon me to be thus carefull,
having such neede as I have and more may live to have. I
dayly pray for the long life and prosperity of your Ladiship
and of all yours, but if God should otherwise dispose that I
should outlive, I am not to be blamed to seeke for some
certaintie and securitie, living to this age and necessitie that
I do. Your Ladiship knowes well, and the band doth signifie
so much, that I parted with the money no otherwise then yf
myself should live to have need of it, and I am come to
have neede and great neede and more may live to have.
Yet I do not desire to call home the money, but to let it rest
as it doth, so I may be assured of the profitt of it dureing my
life. Indeed my husband would have had it in, but I hin-
dered him and am willing (as I have sayd) that it should rest
as it doth, so that I might have somewhat to shew for it and
some certaine place allotted where to call for the use. 2 In
regard that your Ladiship keepes the band, my trust is to you
that you will ever be mindefull of me and soe whether you
live or dy that I be secured as I have desired and as is great
conscience and reason that I should, especially having such
and so great neede and necessitie as I am nowe driven unto
and more may be. I shall not neede to use many wordes unto
your Ladiship, who of yourself are pitifull enough for all in
neede and especially ever very kinde and respective unto me, of
the continuance of which your love and good remembraunce
of me nothing doubting, with the remembraunce of myne
humble service unto your good Ladiship, I do for this time
take my leave, comitting you to the gratious protection of the
Almightie, from St. Dunstans by Canterbury March 2. 1624 3 .

Your Ladiships allwayes

much bounden

Ellyn KiNton

1 Bond. 2 Interest.

3 1625 N.s. The Letters are dated throughout in the Old Style, the
year beginning on March 25th.

20

1625] THE ELDER generation

XIV

VALENTINE PETTIT to RICHARD OXINDEN
[MS. 27,999, f. 30]

[Henry Pettit died February 13th, 1624-5, an< ^ buried in the
aisle of Denton Church. A brass tablet, let into the gravestone of
slate provided by his brother Valentine, records his burial, the
“ sonn and heire of Valentine Pettit of Daundelion in the Isle of
Thanett ”, as well as that of a son of his, Valentine, and a daughter,
Katherine, who must have been older than the baby whose
birth is recorded in Letter XV. There is also inserted in the
stone a small brass shield, bearing the arms of both the Pettit
and Sprakeling families. Not far away a similar brass and stone
record the death of “ Hanna, one of the daughters of Sir Adam
Sprakeling, Knight, wife to Henry Pettit.” She died January 1st,
1641 (cf. Letter CCXIX).]

COSIN OXENDEN,

With the remembraunce of my love I hartily salute
you. I have nowe sent my Daughter Pettit a fewe smale
Lopsteres taken yesterday, and my Desire was to have had
more store of this mominges takeinge to have sent them alive,
that they might have the longer beene kept good, but this
northerly winde hath frustrated my expectation therein. My
Desire is that these may bee accepted as a Signe of my Love,
and so prayeing you to remember us to my Ladye, my Cozine
your wife, my Daughter and the rest of our freinds, I com-
mende you to God and rest,

Your loveing kinsman

Val: Pettit

Daundelion this 25 th
of Aprill 1625

At my last beeing at Denton it was desired that I should
write to my son Val: to provide and sende downe to Sand-
wich a Grave Stone for his brother’s Grave, with an Inscrip-
tion according to that then geiven mee in writeing, and that
his CoSite Armes should bee likewise ingraven one the same,
which directions I gave him at his goeing from hence. He
asked mee if the Spracklinge Coat should be joyned therwith

21

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1625

or not, which I could not then resolve him of, but promised
to write to you to know your minde therein, which I thinke
were needelesse, unlesse some mention were made in the
Inscription of his match with one of that house and then a
pictchere of the Spr aiding Armes wilbe needefull to bee
sent upp to him.

To his verie loveing cosin Mr. Richard Oxenden at his
house neere Denton geve these.

[A rough and much corrected draft in Richard Oxinden’s writing
on the back of this letter says :]

Cossen Pettit,

I received your letter and my sister hath received
the lobsters you sent her, for which shee gives you many
thankes, and we both desire that you would excuse our
bouldnes in troubleing you in such bussines. Our desire
was when we sent [sentences erased] Since you write that
you desire to know whether the Sprackling armes should be
ioyned with your sonnes which my sister refereth both to
you, like as also what inscription.

XV

VALENTINE PETTIT to RICHARD OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f. 32]

[Henry Pettit, whose birth is referred to in Letter XV, married
first, Elizabeth Best, second, Anne Finch of Coptree, and left many
sons and daughters. He died, still & young man, in 1662, and
that his grandfather’s prayer for him was fulfilled, may be judged
from his delightful epitaph, on a mural monument in the north
aisle of St. John Baptist Church, Margate :

“ He was just and devout, and of so knowen integrity as to have
the title of Honest commonly given him, which made him to live
beloved and honoured and to die lamented.

“ The righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance.” x ]

Cosin Oxenden,

With the rememberance of my Love I hartely* salute
you and the rest of our freindes with you. God bee thanked
1 Lewis, Hist . of Tenet (1723), App. p. 83.

22

1625] THE ELDER generation

for my daughter’s safe deliveraun.ee and God blesse that
Little one and make him his Servant, and God sende us
and all other his freindes much Joy and Comfort of him. I
purpose (God willing) to bee with you one Sonday next to
perfourme my Daughter’s Desire. And so comendeing you
to God I rest

Your Loveing Freinde

Val: Pettit

Daundelion this
yth of September 1625

XVI

ROBERT HEGGE to MRS. KATHERINE OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f - 34]

WORTHIE M RS ,

I received your token, which of it self, as such a

booke, was the most rich and pretious Legacie that ever was

+ +

bequeathed to the Christian world ; the Testament of IHS ;
but being so arrayd, in a vesture of golde and needleworke,
seemes to challenge such reverence as to touch it without
devotion were a sinne against the covering, as well as against
the Booke. Such a Booke is able to make a young man as
my selfe to tume a divine a yeare before his time, if it were
but shew it over a Pulpit. I must needs say thus much of
it, that it is the best commentarie that ever I saw, writ
with a woman’s needle, upon the Text, It remains that
I should studdy how to requite such a courtesie in your
Sonne, of whom you may have great joy. If the time of
this contagion, and the approaching winter for danger and
myre, were not sufficient hindrances of travaill, he and my-
self had made a viage into Kent, which now we will deferre
till the Spring. If in the mean time you would see your
Sonne by a description, he is growne very taull of stature but
with^ll very slender. My occasions allowing me the time
but of writing one letter, I choosed rather to make bold with
your husband and to write it to you, but I need not to excuse

23

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1625

it, for you two be one. Thus with my kinde love both to
him and yourself I take my leave, resting
Your ever loving

friend to commande

From Sherburne Castle Robert Hegge

in Oxfordshire Novemb. 5
1625

XVII

FRANCIS TILGHMAN to RICHARD OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f. 35]

[Francis Tilghman or Tilman, of Snodland and Sarre, another of
Richard Oxinden’s brothers-in-law, married Margery (b. 1587),
seventh (twin) daughter of Sir Adam Sprakeling. 44 My Sister
Saunders” was Frances, (b. 1590), Sir Adam's eighth daughter,
married to Francis Saunders of Monkton, the next village to
Sarre.]

Lovinge Brother Oxenden,

I kindly comend my love to you, my sisters and my
Lady and thanke you for your mindfulnesse of my wife for a
midwife ; the tyme drawes nye at hand, and ther for have
thought fitt to send unto you, intreattinge you to writte by
my man that she may come away with him, if you thinke fit,
or otherwise to direct him by some token to the same end,
for I am altogether a stranger unto hir. I thinke she shall
serve my sister Saunders' tume also, who hath a mind therto
if God give opportunytie to both, thus in great hast I comit
you all to the Almightie and rest ever

Your very lovinge brother

Sarr Jan: zoth 1625 Fran: Tilghman

XVIII

VALENTINE PETTIT to RICHARD OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f. 36]

Cosin Oxenden,

With the rememberaunce of my love I doe hartily
salute you and I have now heerewith sent you a smale Roulett

24

1625] the elder generation

of Northdowne Ale which I praye you accept as a Signe of
my Love and Token of my thankfulnes for manie Curtesies
received from you ; if it bee good I have my Desire, but if it
prove not well, I pray you blame the Brewer and not mee.

And so prayeing you to remember me to my Ladye, my
Cosin your Wife, my Daughter Pettit and the rest of our
Freindes, I commende you to God and rest

Your Loveing Freinde

Daundelion the $th Val: Pettit

of March 1625

XIX

VALENTINE PETTIT THE YOUNGER to MRS. HANNA
PETTIT

[MS. 27,999, 38 ]

London this vijth of March An 0 1625
Kynde Sister,

My love salutes both yourselfe and likewes the reste
of our good frends, etc. At Gabrell Richards beinge heere,
I receaved a payer of gloves of him as a token from you, for
the which I kyndely thank yow. I likewis receaued a letter
the last weeke from my cousin Oxenden, wherin hee wroate
for as much of the beste black damaske as would make you a
Goune, kyrtle and wascote, the which I have sente doune by
Gybbson, the foote post of Canterbury, and withall wild him
to leave it with my Brother Paule for to be conueyed unto
you, and herewith halfe a pounde of black Naples silke, the
which coste xvs. I have sent of the damaske seventeene
yeards, the price whereof is xiijs viiid per yeard. As for the
monye that they come unto, send it at your layseure. I have
likewies sent with these thinges a smale token of my love, the
which I would entreate you to exsept of. Thus with the
Remembraunce of my Beste wishes I conclude, leavinge of
yow to the Tuission of Thalmighty,

Your euer loveinge Brother

to the utmoste of his pouer

Valen: Pettit

25

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1625

xvii yds. of Rich bl. damaske at xiij s viij d - xi h xii s iiij d .
halfe a Pounde of bl. Naples silke pr. o • xvj s .

xij 11 viij s iiij d

XX

RICHARD OXINDEN to HIS SON HENRY

[MS. 27,999, f - 4 1 ]

. . . [Six lines at beginning of letter torn] I have sent v 11 at
this time unto you which I thinke will be sufficient to dis-
charge all your expence. You write unto mee that you doe
intende to come downe presently, and that your tutor will
come downe with you, whome I should bee very glad to see
heare, and I will have you to tell him from me that if it please
him to take [the paynes] to come to us, he shall be as hartely
Wellcome as any frend we have livinge. I had thought to
have written unto him aboute it, but finding myself an ill
scribe I have left it undonne, hopinge that you have soe
carried youre selfe towards him but you can persuade more
with him than my letter could. I shall expect youre com-
minge according to youre writinge. You may very easily
come down in too dayes. Youre best way is to come from
London to Gravesend by water, and from Gravesend you
may easily come to my house in halfe a day. Thus wishing
you to remember me unto your tutor and all the rest of our
frends, I leave you to the protection of the Almightie,

Your lovinge father

From Barham this Richard Oxinden

14 th of June 1626

To my very loving sonne, Mr. Henry Oxinden, at Corpus
Christi Collidge in Oxfoord, give this.

XXI

JAMES HOLT to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f - 43 ]

[Henry Oxinden ’s friend and fellow-student, James Holt, entered
Corpus Christi College as a Surrey (Thorpe) Scholar, on Dec.

26

1626] THE ELDER GENERATION

1 ith, 1620, at the age of fourteen years and five months. He took
a B.A. degree 1625, M.A. 1628, when he became a Probationary
Fellow and in 1630 Latin Reader ; he was incorporated at Cam-
bridge in 1634.

He was evidently a younger brother of Thomas Holt, admitted
1606, and John Holt, 1611, who were also Surrey Scholars, for he
mentions the death of his two brothers in college (Letter LIV).
John Holt exchanged the living of Cranley, Surrey, with Dr.
Anyan and succeeded him as President in 1629 : he died Jan. 10th,
1630/1 and was buried in Westminster Abbey. Thomas became
a Fellow 1614.

On the death of Dr. Anyan in 1633, James Holt succeeded to
the Rectory of Cranley in his turn. The living, a valuable one,
was sequestered in November 1645, but before the Committee of
Parliament for Surrey had finally decided how the revenues were
to be disposed of, James Holt died — £100 a year was finally
allotted to “ a minister in the markett town of Guilford ”, and a
stipend of ^40 to James's successor, while the small additional
balance which had accumulated since his death was handed over
to his administrators to pay his debts.] 1

Tempora si numeres bene quse numeramus amantes
Non venit ante suam nostra querela diem.

But before I proceed any further give mee leave to tell thee
the last night’s dreame. Mee thought I met with some
good company and Thyselfe in London at supper, at a
Venison pasty, where wee wanted for nothing that might
encrease the mirth of such a meeting : but when I awaked I
found my stomacke as empty as if I had rather bin hunting it
then eating it. Well then, no more of this then this : If
dreams bee the effects of frequent and strong thoughts, thou
maist demonstreatively conclude that I thinke on thee. For
I confesse, amongst all the thinges enrolled in my Memorie,
I can best disceme a Freind’s name there, and therfore
marvaile not if that Love’s hungrie Appetite, by an happy
remembrance of its object, doth often feast itselfe with such
pleasant Apparitions in a dreame. But what, Harry, art thou
extant and so long silent : why this is to entombe our Love
before it is deade, or else, by not giving it nourishment, to
1 Brit. Mus. Add. MSS. 15,669 and 15,670.

27

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1626

make the fruit therof abortive. Your Countriman hath
saved mee a labour in relating of the Newes that is stirring
here : and I care [not] for rehearsing at the Secondhand.
Wee, you know, remaine here at Athens, and, being sicke of
that old Athenian disease, are still desirous of Novelty :
wherfore I expect to heare from you very shortly, and till
then as all waies I remaine

Your faithfull and loving Freind

James Holt

Oxon gth Aug . 1626

XXII

MRS. MARY PROUD to LADY SPRAKELING

[MS. 27,999, f. 99]

[The writer of the following and other letters in this book was
Mary (Sprakeling) wife of that gallant soldier, William Proud or
Prude, whose effigy, kneeling beneath a canopy, is familiar to all
who visit St. Michael’s Chapel in Canterbury Cathedral. Proud,
“ Lieftennant Coronell in the Belgick Warres,” was killed at the
Siege of Maestricht the 12th day of July, 1632, and buried in the
“ Somerset Chapell ” on September 20th. The expedition of
which his wife writes here was not the one from which “ he came
no more out of the field ” but some earlier episode in his many
campaigns (cf. Letter LXVIII). Proud’s stirring epitaph should
not be forgotten although time has almost worn it from the stone :

“ Stand Soldiers ; e’re you March (by way of Charge)

Take an Example here that may enlarge
Your Minds to Noble Actions. Here in Peace
Rests one whose Life was War, whose rich increase
Of Fame and Honour from his Valour grew,

Unbeg’d, unbought ; for what he won he drew
By just Desert. Having in Service been,

A Soldier till near Sixty from Sixteen
Years of his active Life : Continually
Fearless of Death, yet still prepar’d to die,

In his Religious Thoughts ; For midst all Harms
He bore as much of Piety as Arms.

Now Soldiers on, and fear not to intrude
The Gates of Death, by example of this Prude.”

28

1626] THE ELDER GENERATION

While Colonel Proud was campaigning, his family lived at
Garwinton in Bekesbourne, three miles from Canterbury, a pro-
perty which he had purchased from Sir Henry Palmer. Mrs.
Proud also owned land on the North Downs above Denton, at
what is now called “ Wollage Green ” ( cf . Letter CII).

“ My Lady Proud ”, whose severe illness she describes, was
Anne Fagge of Faversham, the second wife of Sir John Proud,
nephew to Colonel William. Sir John was also a soldier, and fell
in 1628 at the siege of Groll in Guelderland. Lady Sprakeling’s
maiden-name had been Eastday or Esday, and “ Cousin Esday ”
was no doubt a nephew o i hers.]

[Date torn]

Deare Mother,

My humbell duty remembred. I have not had anny
Conveniant Ma[MS. torn]rell now to have wreten and now
he comes in such hast that I have scarse time to write.

I have thes day hard from my husban that hee is well but
I have not sen hem this 7 monts nether shall thay come out
of the feld this wentar: my husban hath mad my Cosson
Esde [Esday] hes leftennent and hee hath mad on[e] M s a
brom hes Sarchant, a Canterbery man, heare is not anny
neues to writ of my lady Proud is brath abed of a dathar and
it tes ded and shee har selfe very likly to dy for in har Child
bed shee got the bloddy flexie which brought har very week
but now thanks be to God shee is well recouard. I desire to
be rembred to my sestar Oxenden and to my sestar Pettet
and to both ther husbans. So, weth my daly prayers to
god for your helth I rest

Your obedient darter

[Probably Autumn 1626] Mary Proud

XXIII

RICHARD OXINDEN to HENRY OXINDEN at Oxford

[MS. 27,999, f. 53]

Sonne,

I am very sorry to heare that you are sicke but I trust
[God] that he will restore you [to] your former health, how

29

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1627

soe ever I [most] earnestly desire that you will take the visi-
tation patiently, submitting youre will to his that hath sent it.

I [do] assure you that it shall be the greatest comfort unto
me that may be to heare that you doe patiently and cheere-
fully undergoe this that God hath layd upone you. Sonne, I
woold with all my hart have come unto you, if I did thinke I
could have donne you any good, but I am well assured that
youre tutor will doe as much for you as I could if I weare
with you. I have sent unto you Goodman Cooper, one
hoome I thinke you will well like of, and when he doth re-
turne, if that you doe desire that I should then come unto
you, I will doe it with- all possible speed. I have sent some
money unto you by him, and your grandmother hath sent
you a token, and your mother hath sent you another, and
wee all doe ioyne in prayer to God that it will please hime to
send you youre health agayne. Soe in hast I rest
Youer ever loveinge father

Richard Oxinden

From Barham this jth
of July 1627

XXIV

THOMAS COPPIN to VINCENT DENNE

[MS. 27,999, f. 54]

[Vincent Denne, to whom Letter XXIV is addressed, belonged to
a well-known Kentish family, established at Denne-hill on the
crest of the North Downs above Denton. Vincent had an elder
brother Thomas, head of the house, and two sisters, Mary (b. 1587)
married to Edward Osborne of Hartlipp, and Silvester, wife of
Thomas Coppin of Minster. The sons of these marriages,
Thomas Coppin and his cousin John Osborne, play an important
part in the Oxinden correspondence.

In 1627 Vincent Denne purchased an estate at Great Wender-
ton, about a mile north of Wingham Church towards the village of
Preston. No dwelling house now remains but a farmstead called
Little Wenderton (Letter XXVI). Thomas Coppin’s grand-
mother, wife of Robert Denne, was Thomasin, daughter and heir
of Thomas Dane of St. John’s in Thanet.]

3 °

1627] THE ELDER generation

Your much love towards me maks me bold to trouble
you with managing of my estat, which I thanke you for under-
taking to prevent [MS. torn] trouble at another time. I have
provided for [MS. torn] money, vidl. thirty pounds to rec. by
bill of Exfchange] in Holland. My Cosen John Osborne
was my [MS. torn] freind therein, wherefore I pray at your
next convenient time send it him up to London, or to save
your labor be you pleased to committ it to my Brother
Chapman and I doubt not but he will discharge it, or if you
have not soe much in readines I praye use my Brother’s
help therein, for I cannot think that you have yett received
soe much, if any at all. I praye excuse my boldnes with you
and lett but my actions find a favorable constructione
from you. And I doubt not but by the grace of God I shall
goe those courses which maye be pleasing to him and give
satisfaction to you and comfort to myself in the end ; and
to that end I desire your prayers for me and my Grandmother’s
blessing, to whome I commend my duty.

The morrow or next day, as I am enformed, there goes a
man of warre with the Lord Vere over to Holland. 1 I shall
not omitt that opportunity, wherefore I take my leave of you,
praying for your health and the continuance of your love to-
ward me, Farewell.

Your truly loving nephew

Hartlipt io° Julii Tho: Coppin

1627

XXV

THOMAS COPPIN to VINCENT DENNE

[MS. 27,999, f - 57 ]

Salut:

Sir,

Considering how farre you have outgone all my
friends in a manifest love towards me, and how backward I
1 Cf. note p. 4.

31

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1627

have beene to paye in writing a true acknowledgement, it
being all I can, of the debt which nature and your love binds
me to, to the one duty, the other thankfullnes, I cannot but
accuse myselfe of much negligence. I was unwilling to be
troublesome without occasions, but confidence of your
goodnes hath emboldened me, and I cannot doubt that you,
who of your love have undertaken to doe soe much for me,
will be displeased to read some thanks from me. Sir, for
your love and favor towards my person and estate, I yeild
all due gratefullnes, and being not more able I praye God to
requite you.

I sojoume here in Leyden in a Frencheman’s house, by
name Mouns r Rivet, a Dr. and Professor of Divinitye.

I have good content here in all things, but I find it extra-
ordinarye chargeable for one who would live in good fashions
(you told me so much before I came). But it is not a life but
a time I shall bide here, wherein I hope to gayne, though
perhaps not to the world’s esteeme yett to my owne satis-
faction, somewhat to countervayle my expenses. I know
how apte love is to fall into jealousye, wherefore I feare lest
my courses being expencefull, and your love and care to have
me goe the thriftyest wayes, I say I feare lest you, doubting
of my well doing, or rather disapproving of what I doe, maye,
despairing of better of me, withdrawe your favour and
affectione from me. I beseech you not to do soe, but lett
me have your allowance to finish my educatione with this
travell, which done I shall (by God’s helpe) retourne, con-
fineing myselfe within more frugall limitts and paye my duty
to my Country and friends, of whome I must holde you as
Cheife. It was well sayed of a Heathen Nobis non nati
sumus sed partim Patri® partim Parentibus, &c. But I am
a Christian, and must first acknowledge I owe all to God and
in serving him I shall serve the rest soe farre as I ought. I
would shunne tediousnes, wherfore we having noe late
accidents happened in these parts worth the relateing, to
conclude I desire my dutye maye be tendered to my
Grandmother, whose health with yours I praye for and also

32

1627] THE elder generation

desire both yours and her prayers for me in all my courses.
I praye commend me to all my other friends. Vale
Your observant Nephew

Tho: Coppin

Leyden sti: no: 8° Oct: 1627

XXVI

SAME to SAME

[MS. 27,999, f. 59 v.]

Loving Uncle,

I hope longe ere this time you have read one of my
letters. I am bold to trouble you againe not onely with
reading my letter but I desire you would be pleased to send
to my Cosen John Osborne twenty pounds betweene this and
Christmas for my use ; he will dispose thereof afterward to
the Marchant with whome I deale. I am sorry to trouble
you but I have not any friend one whose love and care in my
affaires I can more prsesume then yourself. I hope to live not
only to give you thanks but doe you service, and for that you
maye not thinke your paines and care be altogether lost. In
the meane time I shall praye for your happines and Long
Life and also much joye of your late purchase of Wenderton.
There is not any newes in these parts that I heare of. I am
sorrye for our overthrow at Isle of Reyes, that is all the talk
now here and of the desperate disease of our Commonwealth
at home. There are Embassadours coming for England and
France to effect a peace, the [MS. torn] State being much
prejudiced by the warre betweene them. I would not be
tedious unto you, wherefore commending my most humble
love and duty to my Grandmother and yourself, desireingyour
prayers for blessings one all my indeavours and assuring you
I shall embrace your counsells and advise in all my courses,

I rest Vale

Your truly observant and affectionate
Nephew

Leyden 28° Novemb. sti . vet . 1627 Tho: Coppin

33

c

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1627

I praye you commend my love and duty to my uncle Tho:
Denne and the rest of my friends.

Leave this letter at Mr. Thomas Denn his house in
Canterbury.

[Note in another hand :]

I rec. this letter upon the 6 and twentieth day of January
in 1627 an d I sent 20 11 away that daye to bee payd to my
Cosin John Osborne’s at London to bee sent to my Cosin
Thomas Coppin.

XXVII

SIR THOMAS PALMER to SIR JAMES OXINDEN OF
DEANE

[MS. 27,999, f. 63]

[After the Dissolution, the Provost’s house of the College of
Priests at Wingham was granted, with other Church property, to
Sir Henry Palmer, Kt., and there he and his family thencefor-
ward resided. The house stood immediately to the east of the
church, behind a tall old red brick wall which still borders the
highway. Within living memory it was described by old people
in the village, who could recall its demolition, as the Mansion, or
Wingham Mansion. Sir Henry was a soldier, and “ following the
wars in France,” was slain, being seventy years old, at the Siege
of Guisnes. His son, Sir Thomas, Sheriff of Kent, is said to have
kept sixty Christmases in succession at the Mansion, with great
hospitality. He died at 85, outliving his eldest son ; his grand-
son, the next Sir Thomas, succeeded him in 1625, two years before
the following letter was written. Another grandson, Herbert
Palmer, Master of Queen’s College, Cambridge, crosses the stage
in Letter CLXX. Sir Thomas Palmer married Elizabeth,
daughter of Sir John Shirley of Isfield, Sussex— the “ Lady
Palmer ” of several Letters.]

Noble Sir,

I doe remember that not long since you did tell me
that your brother Mr. Richard Oxinden was desirous to be
Lieutenant of my troope of horse ; it so happens that I am at
this time destitute of a Lieutenant ; if therefore your Brother
be still of the same mynd I shall thinke my selfe much

34

SIR JAMES OXINDEN, KT., OF DEANE
From a portrait by Daniel Mytens in the possession of Lady Capel Cure.
Photographer, Donald Macbeth, 17, Fleet St., London.

1627] THE ELDER GENERATION

honnoured by it. Wherefore I shall desire you to lett him
know so much and to lett me understand his answere as
soone as conveniently may be

Thus I rest

Your assured loving
Friend to serve you

Wingham this 16 th Thomas Palmer

of Feb. 1627

XXVIII

JAMES HOLT to HENRY OXINDEN
[MS. 27,999, f. 52]

[In University parlance the Grace was originally “ a dispensation
granted by the Congregation of a University, or by some Faculty
in it, from some of the statutable conditions required for a degree.
As in the English Universities the full performance of the condi-
tions ceased to be enforced , 1 grace * came to be an essential pre-
liminary to any degree.” 1 Hence, in these letters, the expression
means “ the permission of the Congregation to take a degree.”]

Honest Harry,

Accuse thy Freind’s occasions excuse for not writing
hitherto, I am not myselfe at this present : yet, bicause thou
art so desirous to know how the aifaires goe with us here, I
shall somwhat acquaint thee therwith. We retaine still the
same Vice-president; Mr. Gearing and Mr. Hegge are chosen
Deanes. Mr. Newlin and Mr. Webbe are likewise our
Bursars. Since your departure we have three new Scolars
chosen, and now ther is another place void, by the death of
Mr. Parry. Sir Sampson is married to Mr. Bradford’s
daughter and hath left the house. Stratford, Blakiston,
Waller, Sparkes, Vauhan and Lake have all of them there
graces in the University, but the President playing the dis-
honest man, in proposing Vaughan’s grace before his seniors,
was hindred of his purpose by the Seven, who still crosse
him in all his designes : so that now he is willing to give them
1 Murray’s English Dictionary.

.35

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [l6zj

all a Placet but feares that if he should propose them in order,
that the Seniors would deny Vaughan, who as they pretend,
cannot goe out this Lent without breach of Statute. There
is none of them as yet can obtaine their Graces in the house.
Wee all likewise have our Graces in the University, but have
not as yet bene solicitous for them in the House. Our time
commeth within this fortnight nor can wee tell what successe
wee shall have. But our comfort is, that though the Pre-
sident deny us, the Visitor can graunt our graces. Our
President we heare is chosen to be one of the Clerks of the
Convocation for Canterbury, and therefore will, we suppose,
now stand to the accusations they lay against him, unles he
chaunce to breake his legge againe. But if he be called in
question againe, I feare he will find but few to helpe him.
Your Freinds Sir Bridges, Waller and the rest salute you and
so in hast I rest

Ashwertsday 1627

Your euer loving Freind

James Holt

Mr. Garner and Rowle are already Bachelors, and John
Beamont was made knave collector.

[Latin verses on the back.]

Alternis tuus Aeneas tibi certat Achate,

Nec quia tu vincis carmine, vincit amor.

Gratior hac nulla est, quae venit epistula, quaequam:
Subscript! Henrice pagina nomen habet.

Ut legi, legisse semel non sufficit, omnem
Excutio partem quae mihi tota placet.

Facundum te fecit amor ; quis captus amore
Non nova metra facit ? Me quoque metra juvant.

0 utinam versus facerem queis constet ut arces
Quas nobis Pallas condidit, ipsa colat.

Spes foret Oxoniam [ut] citius tibi causa videndi,

Quae gnati longas increpat usque moras.

Spes foret ut mecum noctes consumere velles
Queis hiemem tecto pellere pruna solet.

36

1628] THE ELDER GENERATION

Sed tu lentus abes secura per otia laetans,

Qui potes Aoniis nectere verba modis.

Te gelidum nemus et labentis murmura rivi
Quaerentem doceat stridula carmen avis.
Forsitan et nostram spemet tua rustica Musam,
Et si nos vincas rure, quid urbe manens ?

In summa do manus : abeas in carmine victor.
Sed scio quod te plus diligo : victor eris.

Nihil hie nisi carmina desunt.

Oxon. Jan . 14

1628

Jacobus Holt

[The following information relating to persons named in Letter

XXVIII is taken from Fowler’s History of Corpus Ckristi College ,

PP- 394“5 :

“ Mr. Gearing ” — Henry Geering of Winterton, a Lincoln
Scholar Oct. 12, 1611, Fellow 1617.

“ Mr. Newlyn ” — Robert Newlyn, of Priors-deane, a Hampshire
Scholar Nov. 7, 1622, President Oct. 9, 1640, re-admitted at
the Restoration July 31, 1660.

“ Mr. Webb ” — Benedictus Webb of Wotton-Underedge, a
Gloucestershire Scholar June 16, 1615, Fellow 1624.

“ Mr. Parry ” — Henry Parry of Canterbury ; a Kent Scholar
Jan. 4, 1608, Fellow 1614 (see Fowler, p. 437).

“Sir Sampson ” — John Sampson of Lymington; a Hampshire
Scholar Sept 19, 1622.

“ Stratford ” — George Stratford of Guy ting ; a Gloucestershire
Scholar Feb. 18, 1624, ast. 13 years 9 months, Fellow 1632.

“ Blakiston ” — Robert Blackiston of Sedgfield ; a Durham Scholar
Feb. 18, 1624.

“ Waller ” — Stephen Waller of Amersham ; a Bucks Scholar
Apr. 1, 1625 ; set. 13I.

“ Sparkes ” — probably Noel Sparke of Sandwich ; a Kent Scholar
May 31, 1627, Fellow 1632.

“ Vauhan ” — Edmund Vaughan of Ashstead ; a Surrey Scholar
Aug. 7, 1627 , Fellow 1633 ; author of the Life of Dr. Thomas
Jackson , President C.C.C. 1631-1640 (see Fowler, p. 184).

“ Lake ” — William Lake of Broadhemston ; a Devon Scholar
Aug. 7, 1627, Fellow 1634.

37

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1628

“ The Visitor ” — Richard Neile, Bishop of Winchester {see Fowler,
P* i8 9 )*

“ Sir Bridges ” — Stephen Bridges of Chippenham ; a Wiltshire
Scholar Dec. 11, 1623, Fellow 1631.

“ John Beamont ” (or Beamond) — Clerk, Nov. 10, 1624 ( see
Fowler, p. 427).

“ Rowle ” — possibly John Rowland of Eaworth ; a Bedford Scholar
April 25, 1617, set. 13 years 7 months, cf . Letter XXIX.]

XXIX

JAMES HOLT to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f. 69]

[1. Nicholas Sympson.

Nicholas Sympson of Canterbury, “ Sir Sympson ” of the fol-
lowing letter, was a Kent Scholar at Corpus in 1623. He was son
of John Sympson, Canon of Christchurch, and grandson of
another Canon, Nicholas Sympson. Dart (in his History of Can-
terbury Cathedral , p. 53) is evidently in error when he says that the
younger Nicholas was of Christchurch , Oxford. Nicholas was
baptized in the Cathedral on Feb. 23rd, 1605. The Latin epitaph
which Dart prints and translates from the Sympsons’ gravestone,
now in the south-west transept, gives high praise to “ Sir Symp-
son ” as well as some facts of his subsequent history :

“ The Son in his Youth followed Merchandize, especially in
Italy, but the Civil Wars breaking forth he retired into the Country
and there lived honourably ; he was a Man of sharp Wit and
singular Industry, Pious, Peaceable, Honest, unstain’d in his
private Character, approved in publick Affairs, faithful to his
Prince and to the Church ; a true Friend, Dear to all, and
lamented by all, whom everyone had in especial Honour. He
died August the 22d, Anno Dom. 1680. Aged 57.”

2. John Rowland's birthplace
Hegge’s Catalogue under date April 25, 1617, gives :

“ Joh. Rowland, Bed. Eaworth. In 1619, when sworn, Eiye-
worth (Eyworth).” There is no mention of Litlington.]

Loving Harry,

I received your letter which was dated March the x th
not untill the xxvii th day of the same moneth : wherin,
Mr. Parryes death being premis'd by you, you inferre a false

38

1628] THE ELDER GENERATION

consequence, to witt that therfore there is a Kentish place
void ; for i’le assure you there is no such matter, and had
it beene soe you should have had presently notice of it.
There can be no such place void till Sir Sympson doth either
leave the house or els be chose Probationer, which perhaps,
euntibus ordine fatis, may fall out within the space of two
yeares, and then if either I or my Brother are in place to
pleasure your Brother, you may assure yourselfe he shall have
all the favour that may be shewed, and I doubt not but by
that time he may sufficiently deserve the Place. Your Tutor
is at this present in the North, the cause of his ioumey was
his Father’s death : wherfore I have sent backe the letter you
wrote unto him, it being as I suppose to no purpose ; his
retume hither will not bee till after Easter.

Mr. Rowland was to be chosen Probationer in Mr. Parry’s
place, but there hath bene two Certificates brought against
him, the one is negative, that there was never any such man as
John Rowland borne at that Place he pretended, the other
doth affirme that he was borne at Litlington in Cambridge-
shire, so that in all lawfull proceeding he is to be praeter-
mitted. Sir Sympson and Sir Bridges remaine still Bachelors,
there being a controversy between them about their Sen-
iority. Sir Stratford, Blakiston, Waller, doe determine this
lent, the Others are kept backe. . . .

April 11. mdi.xxviii

XXX

VALENTINE PETTIT THE YOUNGER to RICHARD OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f * 7 i]

London this IX th of June 1628
Couzin,

I Receaved your letter in a letter of my brother Paules,
wherein hee gave me order for the paymente of XX h unto
Mr. Newman for you ; presentely after the receipte of your
letter I met with Mr. Newman in Fish Streete, unto [w]home

39

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1628

I remembred your love and told him that I had order to pay
him his money, the which I tolld him I would bringe him in
the aftemoone or the next mominge. I wente in the after-
noone to speake with my couzin Richard, but his Master bee-
inge in the shopp I could not have soe much Conference with
him (I meane with my couzin) as I intended. Soe that the
nexte mominge I wente thither agayne . Mr. N ewman beinge
buisie above stayers with a Customer, I had som speech with
his prentesses and afterwards with my cousin Richard, after
which discourse, thoughe I helde oute parte of the money,
yet I put it up agayne, and spake unto my cousin to speake
unto his fellowes not to let ther Master know that I brought
the money.

I must needes say that, both by my Cousin Richard’s
words and also by his fellowes, I perceve that the Master is
much alterd since hee hath beene marryed. For they all say
that, through her dyssuadinge him, hee is brought to such a
pass that hee will beate them for any smale occasion, the
which I cannot approve of, and if I had knowne that hee
would have provd soe It should have been farre from mee
from wishinge of your sonn unto him ; there is a greate
many have beene deseaved in him besides myselfe, I mean in
Mr. Newman. I have much wondred that your sonn spake
noe thinge of this usadge when you bounde him, nor unto
mee, for I have divers times since questioned with him, but
hee alwayes telld mee that hee liked his Master well but his
Mistris was somthinge a strange kynde of wooman. Where
upon I thoughte with myselfe, in regard if hee liketh well of
his Master the matter is not greate, for moste of London
mistrisses ar strange kynde of woomen . 1 I have had speech
divers times with my Cousin Richard touching his Master
and hee telleth still that he thinketh that hee shall never live
vii yeares with his Master, upon which speach (hee still
continueinge in the same minde for all my perswations)
hath made mee detayne the monye from him as yet, not

1 Valentine was himself married to a London woman, Elizabeth,
daughter of Clement Morse, Comptroller of the Chamber of London.

40

1628] THE ELDER GENERATION

knowinge what to doe in his case. If he be so resolved as
that he cannot continue his tearme of yeares with him, wee
weare better breake of upon fayer tearmes now then heer-
after ; for he is not inrowled as yet, and therefore hee may
goe away from his Master, whereas if hee weare, his Master
mighte make him serve oute his tyme with him, or in a worse
place : yet notwithstandinge, though hee bee not inrould,
you muste in a manner stande to his courtesy for the Return-
inge of any parte of your Mony agayne, but I thinke wee
shall not finde him unreasonable, if wee have cause to make
use of him in that kynde, by my cousin’s cominge away from
him.

I have had [conference] with som of my acquayntance
aboute the same, who are in the same mynde that I am in, and
that is that it is not amiss to pay the mony, for both they and
myselfe suppose that hee will detayn never the less of the
mony back agayne if I doe pay the same, but rather, if I
should not, it would be a meanes to make him keepe backe
more then I suppose hee would doe if hee had rec d the whole ;
and therefore, if in this I continue in the same mynde untill
tomorrow, I shall thinke it the beste course to pay the same
and to take up your bill.

As I wroate unto you before, my cousin hath had the
small pox, but hee had but a fewe of them ; and if they had
com oute fuller hee would not have bene so feeble now as hee
is : hee hath beene rid of them this fortnighte verry neere ;
hee hath taken ii purges, the firste wroughte not well but the
other did ; thankes be unto God hee looketh verry cheerfully
agayne. Hee likewis complayned unto mee of scarsety of
dyeate when there Master and Mistris dyndes and suptes
forth, which that they often doe at her father’s. The doctor
that my cousin was advised by, wishe him to goe into the
country and take the freshe ayer for a weeke or such a matter.
Mr. Newman and I had som speech of his goeinge into the
cuntry for a while, unto a frend’s house of his neere hand, to
take the Ayer ; I doe Intende to speake unto him to let him
goe sudenly, and by that tyme that hee cometh back agayne

41

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1628

I [MS. torn] heere from you that I may better [MS. torn].
I make noe question but hee will be the better for takinge of
the freshe ayer, and the more healthfull afterwards, whether
hee stay there or ells wheare. If hee cannot like of the place
hee is in when hee cometh oute of the country, if you thinke
good, after he goe from thence hee may goe to scole to sypher
and write a while, untill you have otherwis provided for him,
or ells, if you thinke good, I will seeke oute for another place
hopeinge for a better ; for my owne parte I am sorry that I
was soe unfortunate in placeinge him. Thus with the re-
membrance of my love I reste yours

Valen: Petit (sic)

XXXI

JAMES HOLT to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f. 73]

[An “ Act ”, either (1) a thesis publicly maintained by a candidate
to qualify for a degree, or to show his proficiency, (2) as in James’s
letter, the occasion on which the theses were discussed. 1 The
new Probationer, Edward Pocock of St. Peter’s in the East, Ox-
ford, Scholar Dec. 11, 1620, Fellow 1628, was afterwards Laudian
Professor of Arabic, Regius Professor of Hebrew, and Canon of
Christchurch, “ one of the greatest Oriental scholars whom Eng-
land has ever produced.” 2 ]

Loving Harry,

I know not whether [MS. torn] wonder or indignation
by reason of my [MS. tom] loath to be so unfortunate as to
raise a [MS. torn] But whither I stand guilty or noe since
[MS. tom] I feare not to undergoe the brunt of a [MS. torn]
taine a pardon. Your first letter you [MS. tom] which was
dated in Aprill, came not to m[MS. torn] but it having layne
a long time at [MS. tom] man of Harthall by chaunce reading
[MS. torn] thereof brought it at length to Oxford [MS. torn]
to me. I had returned you likewise an answer [MS. torn]
letter but that I supposed I should have then [MS torn]
1 Cf. Murray’s English Dictionary 2 Fowler, loc. at., p. 183.

42

1628] THE ELDER GENERATION

enioy’d your Company which you seemed to intimate like
wise at the end of your letter. Your last letter I will assure
you I had no leasure to answer till now, I being employ’d about
necessary businesse against the Act and a multitude of
acqu[ain]tance also pressing upon me, so that I could not be
mine [MS. torn] man (as they say). That I doe not answer
you in that ma[MS. tom] as you expect or I ought, impute it
not I pray to the w[ant] of love but leasure. For I still re-
maine my selfe and so long doubt not but you may challenge
a share in mee.

Common newes here is none to acquaint you with but
what I suppose you know already. Mr. Rowland is praeter-
mitted and Mr. Pococke is chosen Probationer 1 in Mr. Parry’s
place. Since the Schole M K place of Manchester is fallen
void, which the President hath bestowed upon Mr. Rowland.
I desire you to acquaint mee when I may expect you here,
and whither you are recovered of your arme and legge which
you signified were out of ioynt : I pray either convey your
selfe or mind by the next retume of the Carrier. Thus
wishing for your welfare and presence here shortly, in hast I
rest

Your assuredly loving Freind

James Holt

Oxon vi Aug .

MDI.XXVHI

XXXII

RICHARD OXINDEN THE YOUNGER to HIS BROTHER
HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f - 79 ]

Brother Henrie,

My love unto you i have receved your kind and lovinge
letter which you sent unto mee and I am very glad to heere
that you ar in good helth as i am at the writing of thes poore
weeke lines unto you and i coold wish that i had saved the
1 i.e. Probationary Fellow or Scholaris ; cf . Fowler, p. 46.

43

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1629]

paynes of writing them soe that i might have ben soe happy
not to tell it yow in Lines but in wordes : i coold wish that i
were with you at Barham or you with mee at London.
You profes a greete deele love to mee which i thinke my selfe
very much obleged and bound unto you for setting your love
upon soe poore a shrimpe as i : had i the arabian gould or the
ingian pearle it woold not dooe me soe much good as to
inioy your longe desired and happy cumpany i can tell you no
neuse but this that there is peese concluded with france : i
pray remember my duty to my mother and my love to all
your naighboures, rembring my murie grant and all the rest
of our frendes, in hast i rest, committing you to God's pro-
taction

Your ever loving Brother till deth

Richard Oxinden

This 10 of May 1629

44

PART II. 1629-163 2

HENRY OXINDEN TAKES COMMAND
OF THE FAMILY

The Letter-writers (in italics ) and their circle. Part II
introduces :

The Sprakelings.

Robert , (1577-1646), eldest son of Sir Adam Sprakeling.
Elizabeth (b. 1581, d. unm.), second da., “ my sister Sprakeling.”

The Rector of Denton.

Francis Rogers , D.D.

Some Kentish Gentlemen
Sir Robert Lewkenor of Acris.

John Philipott , Bailiff of Sandwich, Somerset Herald.

At Cambridge

Francis Blechynden , Fellow and Tutor of St. John’s College.
Allen Henman, Fellow of St. John’s College.

INTRODUCTORY

Part II (Letters XXXIII-LXIX) is concerned chiefly with
James Oxinden’s college career, superintended by his elder
brother Henry, who has now become, on his father Richard
Oxinden’s death, head of the family at May dekin.

James is still at Cambridge, but encouraged by Henry’s old
friend, James Holt, he makes an unsuccessful attempt to win a
scholarship at Corpus Christi College, Oxford. His college career
is hampered, in his own opinion, by an inadequate allowance : his
tutor at St. John’s, Francis Blechynden, tries to hold the balance
between the brothers.

Richard Oxinden now joins the army in Guelderland, where his
uncle, Colonel Proud, holds a command.

45

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1629

Henry Oxinden assumes also the varied responsibilities of a
country squire ; his uncle, Sir James Oxinden, gives him fatherly
counsel.

John Philipott, Somerset Herald, supplies Sir James with the
latest intelligence. Thomas Coppin continues his travels in
Europe (for historic note see p. 5).

XXXIII

ROBERT HEGGE to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f - 8 °]

Loving Herry,

I had notice of your father’s death 1 in a letter from
Dr. Anyan, who now lives at Canterburie, (Dr. Holt being
now our President). 2 You are discreet enough (without my
counsell) to digest these common crosses of mortalitie. I
had little thought when you lay so sick at Oxford and allmost
given up for dead that you should outliv’d your father. But
in this world we are but Tenants at will and no man has a
lease of his life for tearm of yeares. It was supposed that
you would have proceeded Master this Act ; but this accident
perhaps will both hinder that, as also (for which I would be
sorrie) your comming againe to Oxford to stay among us.
I pray you lett me heare from you at your leasure. Your
letters (if I cannot enjoy yourself) shall ever be welcom to
me

Your very loving friend

Robert Hegge

Jan. 3. 1629.

This letter was not opened since it cam from Oxford, and
I desire that Mr. Oxinden would com to me to Cant, and be
assured of it. J. Anyan.

1 Richard Oxinden died May 30, 1629. 2 Cf. supra, p. 16.

46

1629] OXINDEN TAKES COMMAND

XXXIV

DR. FRANCIS ROGERS to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f - 82]

[Francis Rogers, D.D., was a son of Dr. Richard Rogers, Dean pf
Canterbury and Bishop Suffragan of Dover ; in addition to the
Rectory of Denton he held the Vicarage of Alkham and was Rector
of St. Margaret’s Church, Canterbury, where he was buried in
1638. His house in the city was close to the Queen’s Arms Inn
(cf. Letter LXXXIV). Dr. Rogers married Thomasine Fogge,
widow of Dr. George Fogge of Chilham. She herself belonged
to a Chartham family, but she may well have known the footpaths
through Mr. Marsh’s newly acquired estate of Tappington, for
her late husband’s brother, Captain Richard Fogge, R.N., had at
this time a residence at South Barham (< cf . Letter CVII). The
Rogers purchased a house in Denton for themselves in 1630 from
John Philpott of Eastry, and after the Doctor’s death Thomazine
sold it to Sir Basil Dixwell. 1 The Marshes’ ancestral home, since
the reign of Elizabeth, had been at Brandred, a manor and hamlet
in the north-east part of the parish of Acris. Thomas Marsh
married a sister of Sir Francis Nethersole, whose heir their son
John afterwards became. About 1628 Marsh purchased the
Manor of Tapton or Tappington in Denton and built wholly or
in part the house afterwards celebrated in the Ingoldsby Legends .

Good Sir,

I perceave by this Gardener that ther is a common
highwaye throw Thomas Marshe his grounde, and my wife
can remember an high waye ther ; I nowe wish yowe to
enquire of some too or 3 or 4 more old folkes, as William
Maunger, Christopher Jull and suche ; if you cann gett such
witnesses, without fayle gett them to come with yowe next
tuesday to the sessions and there yowe shalbee instructed in
the best mannere by counsell how to proceede ; for if too or
3 will and cann trulye saye as this old man sayth, youre case
is sure to goe with yowe, and soe with all our best love to
your mother, sisters and yourselves I rest

Youre true friende

Canter. Julye 16. 1629 Francis Rogers

1 Oxinden Papers (D. and C.), Nos. 21 and 73.

47

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1629
XXXV

JAMES OXINDEN to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f - 84]

Loving Brother,

I received your last letter by which I understand that
you would have me send you a Note of the money which my
Mother and you and my sisters sent me, which I have sent
you inclosed in this letter. Allso you would have me send
you word how I speede with the schollersship, of which I can
write noe certainty unto you, onely expect the best, for the
Election will not be till a month after Michaelmas. You
write unto me to send you word whether I can live for 20 11
the yere, or ellse you will guide som other course that I may
live cheaper, touching which thinge I thinke I shall hardly
live this year for soe much, by reason that being new come
I have had soe many thinges to buy. But I hope that the
next yeare I shall, when all thinges are setled. I assure you
that I spend none of your money idlely, still remembringe
your love and kindnes, for if I should, I should shew myselfe
unthankfull unto you for your soe great love, for nothing can
seeme more odious unto you then to heare it. I hope as yet that
you heare nothing of my Tutor but that I am a good husband,
which god grant I may continue, to requite your kindnesses.

I pray you to send me your lexicon by this Carryer, if you
can spare it, for I stand in greate neede of it, and I pray you
to send me your Aristotle’s Ethicks, if you can spare it, for it
is the next book I shall use and it were a folly for me to buy
them before I here from you, and I pray you to send me your
Ovid’s Metamorphosis in English, and I pray you to pray my
mother to send me a payre of stockinges and a Cupple of caps.
Soe remembring my love and servise unto you and my duty
unto my Mother and my love unto my sistars. Hopinge that
you will be mindfull of me. I rest
Your loving Brother
and willing to please you in all thinges

From St. John's Colledge in Cambridge J AMES OxiNDEN
this i$th day of September 1629

48

1629] OXINDEN TAKES COMMAND

XXXVI

FRANCIS BLECHYNDEN to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, 86 and 87]

[Francis Blechynden, son of Humphrey Blechynden of Ruffin’s
Hill, Aldington, Kent, entered St. John’s College, April 6th,
1625, Fellow 1640, Senior July 21st, 1643.

He was ejected with several other Senior Fellows, during the
Mastership of John Arrowsmith and after the ejection of Dr.
Beale, for failing to subscribe to the “ Oath of Discovery ” so-
called, required by the English Parliament in correspondence with
the National League and Covenant. 1 ]

Worthy Sir,

I have received of this Bearer (according to your
letter’s intimation) seven pounds, three whereof was to be
disbursed in the furnishinge of your Brother with necessaries
both for back and belly, and the other foure for the rest and
welfaire of both : should I now tell you that the former
summe is alreadie layed out (and soe crave of you a fresh
supplie) I feare you will be apte to accuse us of ill husbandrie,
but when you have take a vew of the particulars of our lay-
ings out, I hope you shall not therein find the least profuse-
nesse, soe that yf thereby we doe cleare our selves from that
which most of us are guilty of i.e. prodigality, I doubt not but
that you will be the forwardar to put a new stocke into our
hands, which that you may doe, this inclosed note will show
you how we have disposed of the old. And after my best
love remembred unto your Mother, yourselfe and your
sisters, he rests who is

Your loving friend

From Camb. Franc: Blechynden

Sep: 17 th 1629

September z$th 1629

Received by me Thomas Dickenson, Cambridge Carrier
for Kent,

1 Baker, Hist . of St. John’s College , ed. J. E. B. Mayor, pp. 225, 327,
335 .

d 49

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1629

of Mr. Henry Oxinden the summ of fowre pounds to be
paid to Mr. Frauncis Blissenden of St. John’s Colledge in
Cambridge for the use of Mr. James Oxinden his pupill,
I say, &c. 4 11

By me

Thomas Dickenson

XXXVII

THOMAS COPPIN to VINCENT DENNE

[MS. 27,999, f. 88]

Lygorne 19 0 Sept. 1629
Most Loving Uncle,

I have received here at Lygorne the some of fiftye
pounds sterling, the which I praye you paye unto Mr. Libbe
Chapman or his assignes upon the first opportunitye after
the sight of my bills which import the same. I must ever
beseeche you to excuse me that I continue thus troubling
you. I assure you were it not necessitye that puts me on it I
should be more modest in these my importunate requests.
But you know that one cannot travaile without expenses, and
if it maye please you to consider the condition of these times
and places were I now am, you will find that those expenses
are to be extraordinarye and so by consequence I am enforced
to trouble you much and often in disboursing for mee. For it,
and all your singularr good love towards me, which both be-
fore and since my leaving England I have abondantlye found
in you, and which I hope may ever continue, I shall allwayes
protest myself for ever bounde in all humble dutye and
affection. As for our publike affayres here in Italy, I know
not anyething but what I thinke I maye have mentioned unto
you in my former letters, that Lombardia is like to be made
the stage where two or rather manye great Princes are like
[MS. faded] to appeire ; each partye stands with his armes
ready [MS. faded] the king of France at Lusa hath great
forces, likewise the Emperor at the other passages of the
Gersones ; eache begins to descend ; the Spanyard and the

So

1629] OXINDEN TAKES COMMAND

Venetians as the seconds to the quarrell make all the force
they can. In generall all Italye stirrs. I wish the warre
maye quickely begin and long continue, supposing it maye
be good for our parts. But not further to trouble you at
present, I humbly commending my love and [MS. faded]
unto you, to my Grandmother, and Uncle [MS. faded] ever
prayeing for your prosperity and desiring to live in your good
favour, I rest

Your most loving observant Nephew

Tho: Coppin

XXXVIII

FRANCIS BLECHYNDEN to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f - 89]

Worthy Sir,

I have received according to your letter’s intimation
£4, part whereof was due unto me, as you may understand
by your last bill I sent you ; and the remainder I am still to
be accountable for ; but at this present I will spare that
labour by reason it is not yet all disbursed, neverthelesse be-
fore the Carriar can mak a seconde returne I feare my owne
purse againe must satisfie his wants, which will hardly sup-
plie mine owne. Wherefore lett me intreat you not to lett the
Carriar returne from you empty handed, and since I have
undertaken to be a petitioner unto you, lett me further intreat
you to furnish your brother with a winter gowne ; what
quantitie of cloath will serve the turne, and alsoe what other
necessaries, you shall understand by himselfe. I am not able
as yet to certifie you that your brother is a member of the
Collidge, by reason that our Scholars’ Election is not untill
the 2 of November, and if then he might [fail] of it, sure I am
he is not rewarded according to his desertes, which that he
may be, there shall be nothing wanting in him who is

Your friend

Camb. Octob . 6 1629 Franc: Blechynden

Pray speake my service unto your mother and sisters.

5i

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1629

XXXIX

JAMES HOLT to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f. 90]

Harry Oxinden,

I desire thee to excuse mee for my not writing unto
thee since our parting. I should be glad to heare from thee ;
my leasure will not serve mee at this present to enlarge the
expression of my love : onely to be breife I salute thee kindly
and wish thee all content and happinesse. I desire thee to
send mee word when thou wilt be with us, or what thou dost
resolve upon, bicause there be many earnest suiters unto the
President for to succeede thee, which shall not come to passe
without thy consent. Thus in hast I commit thee to the
protection of the Almighty and rest

Your ever loving and true

Oxon. Octob. xiiii James Holt

mdcxxix

XL

JAMES OXINDEN to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f * 9 2 ]

Loving Brother,

I remember my love unto you hoping that you ar in
good health as I, thanks be unto God, am at this present ;
my occasion of writing unto you is that you would send me by
this Carryar the lexicon which you promised to send me the
last time. Also because it begins now to be cold I desire you
to be mindfull of your promise to Mr. Nichols to send me a
winter goune, and I shall have neede of noe more gounes
before I be Batchellar.

I did think to have prolonged the time not to have sent to
you till I should have sent you word of the gettinge of the
schollar’s place. But seing my Tutor hath writ unto you I
have made bold to trubble you with these few lines, desier-
inge you, if you can possible, to helpe me to a winter goune,

52

1629] OXINDEN TAKES COMMAND

of which the winter approching I stand in very great neede.
For which your kindnesse I shall not be able to thank you for
sufficiently, onely but by labouring to be a good husband. I
hope as yet you here nothing of my Tutor to the contrary as
yet, and I hope you never shall, soe not to trouble you with to
many of inconsiderate words, onely remembring my duty to
my loving Mother, and to thanke her for her last kmdnes, and
my love to my sister Katherine and to my sister Elizabeth
and to my Brother Adam,

I rest

Your loving Brother

From Cambridge Jam: Oxinden

this 23 of Octobar
1629

XLI

SIR JAMES OXINDEN to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f * 94]

Good nephewe,

I have spoken with Sir Thomas Palmer concerninge
your default in Armes, who nobly, readily and cheerefully did
tell me that for this time he would not returne you, the man-
ner beinge in my estimation more than the thinge it selfe, tho
at this time it is well worthy of acknowledgment and thanks.
Yet I presume hee expects neyther from you, which tho he
doe not, I perswade myselfe you will not only thinke it
meritts as much, but you will take some convenient oppor-
tunity to tender it him, which cannot be now before his goinge
to London, for this morninge early he was resolved yester-
night to undertake his iorny. I heard you were heere to
have spoken to me. I am sorry I was not then in the way,
but if you please to dine with me this day you shall not faile
to meete

Your affectionate uncle

This present munday James Oxinden

morninge

S3

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1629

XLII

THOMAS COPPIN to VINCENT DENNE

[MS. 27,999, f. 1 12]

Most Loving Uncle,

If I maye seeme negligent in this kind of duty towards
you, I beseech you impute it to my unwillingnes to trouble
you with idle and empty discourses, and not to forgettfullnes
of my dutye and respect which I ow unto you, whereof this
is but the shaddow. These times and places yeild nothing
but troubles : the plague, sword and famine every where
threatning. As for the sword, thanks be to God this state
hath not felt it but by a strong apprehension of feare ; the
Duke of Savoy hath a long time held an armye by them
and cut off all commerce and trafique, so that no victuals
maye come into this towne from those parts towards Savoye,
which causeth a great scarcitye, by reason that the most
parte of fruite and corne about us was spoiled by stormes.
It hath pleased God to adioyne to this a maladye which is
feared to be the plague. I am held constant at this place
now 6 months and now am ready to goe towards Italye. . . . 1

Your most loveing and obsequious Nephew

Tho: Coppin

Geneva ^ Jan. 1629

XLIII

JOHN ROWLAND to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f. 1 15]

Worthy Mr. Oxinden,

Old acquaintance made me bold to wright unto you :
and I am persuaded you will not refuse to send me an
answer. I have allmost this two years bein abroad in the
Country having resigned my place at C.C.C. Since I left
the university, I have not found soe good friends as to prefer

1 Some fourteen lines on money matters and of salutation are here
omitted. For historic note cf. supra p. 5.

54

1629] OXINDEN TAKES COMMAND

me to any place worth accepting, wherfore being destitute of
all place beside my Father’s house (which is in Westminster
in London, near the mill bridge, where I now live), I become
a suiter unto you (because I am confident of your furtherance
to your power which cannot be small in those parts), and that
you would doe me that favor if you know of any place that
you may iudge me fit for, either A good Schole, or A likely
place to keep A Schole, or any thing that belongeth to your
Church, for I have been compleat Minister a great while, or
any place to travell as Chaplain, or any wais to have my
charges borne, I care not how far nor to what part of the
world, that you would commend me unto it. I could live
at my father’s and not bee beholding to any, but this my
intent I thought fit to make your selfe private to, since pre-
ferment is hard to bee got and I am content to undertake any
reasonable course if my friends will second me. I presume
of your good will and best endeavours, to whome I profess
in the sight of God I wish all the happines I could to my-
selfe. This letter if it serve for noe other use yet let it serve
for the cheifest thing I aime at, the continuance of our old
acquaintance . F arewell .

Yours till death

John Rowland 1

Feb . 18. 1629

XLIY

ROBERT SPRAKELING to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f * 1 18]

COSIN OXINDEN,

Upon the receipt of your letter I have taken an
occasion to write unto my Sister Sprakeling concerning the
matter in question betweene her and you, and I doubt not if
you repaire unto her, againe making your formal demand,
but that she will give you a satisfactorie answere. The
Reason as it seemeth to me why she refused to disburse any

1 Cf. supra, p. 38.

55

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1630

money before that I had given order for the same, is because
it ought to have bin first demaunded of me, and for my de-
fault of payment, then of her, but the principal! cause in my
opinion which hath moved her to use this delaye, and made
her backward to parte there with, is the wrongs which she
supposeth have bin offered unto her, deeming it without
equall reason that she should paye there where double so
much as her debt will not make due recompence for such
hurts as she hath sustained, and thinking it maye be with
all that time will cause thes things to be better understood
then as yet they are.

The truth is, she holdeth herself somewhat injured by the
taking downe of those trees about her tenement at Barham
which my late grandfather and father, with good regard, pre-
served to defend the same from stormes and tempestes,
much more oppressed by the wastes in the buildings there;
and tho she finds herself to be so, yet I think the same
doth not so much offend her as the other, because the wrong
therein was voluntarie. It is not unknowne unto me that
there was a Lawyer’s opinion had thereof, who often times so
wrest the law as they will make it seeme to be such as they
suppose doth best accord with the desire of their Client, and
so I doubt he dide, but if the parties’ advise had bin required,
which ought to have bin by my mother’s order, then he would
have truely informed that the cutting downe of trees standing
in defence and safeguard of the house is destruccion and
wast, though they are willowes, beech, aspe, or maple, which
happilie might have prevented the occasion of this distast ;
but these thinges concerne not me, and therefore I leave
them to the consideracion of them to whom the same doth
appertaine, and so with remembrance of my love to your
mother and you, I ende and remaine

Your loving unkle

Rbt Sprakeling

St. Laurence
2 Aprill An 0 1630

56

1630] OXINDEN TAKES COMMAND

XLV

SAME to SAME

[MS. 27,999, f- I22 l
Cosin Oxinden,

I am very glad that the difference betweene my sister
Sprakeling and your Mother is so neerely accorded, as that
there resteth but only a matter of six poundes odd, which is
so smale a summ as it doth not greatly skill whether of them
two be at the loss thereof, so that all former displeasure
might be forgotten therewith ; but doubting that my sister
Sprakeling, in regard of the wrong which she supposeth her-
self to have received, will not be that partie, I desire that if no
faire remonstraunces maye induce her to condescend to the
payment of any greater summ then that which she hath
alreadie offered, that then you would intercede and perswade
with your mother to accept thereof, whereby you shall aswell
prevent suits in law and other detriments and disturbances
which usually follow the same, as cause amitie to be betweene
your mother and her, and your kinsmen her sonnes to have
you in the greater estimacion, and your whole kindred and
others to approve of your good nature and moderation ; and so
hoping that you will not be wanting in a work so well becom-
ing yourself as -this, I very kindely salute you and ende and
remaine

Your loving unkle

Rbt Sprakeling

Ellington 14 Aprill An 0 1630

XL VI

FRANCIS BLECHYNDEN to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, 12 3 ]

Good Sir,

It hath pleased god to viset this towne with a most
greivious sicknesse, and although he hath beene so gratious as
to spare the Collidges as yet, yet could not your Brother stay

57

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1630

here without eminent danger, wherefore it hath beene our
Collidge care to give a generall dismission to all, both fellowes
and schollers, to depart, and soe to him in particular, wherefore
I have thought both the safest and the cheapest way to send
him home unto you ; for should I have provided a place
neare unto Cambridge for him, I feare it would have beene
upon such hard tearmes as you would not have consented
unto, besides I must have left him unto himselfe and soe the
greater part of his time might have beene lost, which I hope
you will now see better spent. When it shall please god to
withhold his hand and withdraw this plague from us, you
shall heare from me that soe he may returne againe, and if he
tarrie with you untill after Whitsontide, my purpose is (god
willing) to come downe unto the Country, and if I make any
stay there, to see you, but I doubt I shall not, by reason I
com upon our Collidge affaires. There hath some 12 died
of it and there are 6 houses shut up, if not more. I beseech
god to be mercifull unto us and to stay his hand, that it
spread noe further, which is much feared, by reason that it is
begunn soe soone among us . Thus, after my love remembred
unto your selfe, praying for your health and happinesse, I rest
as you shall alwayes find me

Your loving Friend

Camb . Aprill 20. Fran: Blechynden

1630.

XLVII

THOMAS COPPIN to VINCENT DENNE

[MS. 27,999, f. 128]

Most loving uncle,

Thanks be to God, I am at last safely returned into
England, and landing at Rye some occasiones have brought
[me] up to London without seeing you or any other of my
friends in Kent, but I intend God willing to be with you ere
long : in the meane time I beseech you to send up hither to
my Cosin, Mr. Libbe Chapman thirty pound which I have

58

1630] OXINDEN TAKES COMMAND

had of him. Whatsoever els I maye have of busynes I shall
referre it unto our meeting : wherefore at present not
willing more to trouble you, I humbly commend my best
love and service unto you, with my duty unto my Grand-
mother. I rest

Your most assured loving Nephew

Tho: Coppin

London 4 0 Oct:

1630

XL VIII

SIR JAMES OXINDEN to MRS. KATHERINE OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f. 130]

Good Sister,

I have talked with your sonne Richard aboute his
returne to his master, who I finde very unwillinge, insomuch
that if I had gone up to that end I doubt my iomy had bin to
noe purpose. I should be glad for his father’s sake to use all
my endeavours to do him any good, but me thinkes I finde
his conceyt so set upon a new master that what shall be done
to that end wilbe altogeather lost; theirefore if he continue
still in this minde, you must thinke of a new course, that is a
new master, for him, which I doubt will cost a good summe of
mony and a longe time of treatinge, both with his old master
to gett in his Indentures and to settle him with the new. I
cannot express that I would in my letter, therefore if my
nephewe Harry will meete me tomorrowe at Canterbury in
the afternoone we will confer about this busines. So
hartely commending myselfe to you and all yours
I rest

Your very affectionate brother

James Oxinden

Deane zz 8 br
1630

59

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1630
XLIX

FRANCIS BLECHYNDEN to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f. 131]

Worthy Sir,

The reason why I have not beene forwarder in satisfy-
ing your desires is, because my Cambridge friendes have
beene soe backward in answering of my letters, for untell this
last Saturday I heard no certaintie from there and therefore
could not (with confidence) acquaint you with any passages
there ; but now I have received not only a letter but a Bill,
the latter certifies me of 343 that have dyed or suspected to
have dyed of the Plague since Feb: 28 untell Novemb: 8 (I
beseech god yf it be his blessed will multiplie not that num-
ber) and that publike acts begann to be kept 21 of this present
month : the former assures me I may with safetie returne
thether, most of our societie being there alreadie, wherefore
I purpose (god willing) to sett forward for Cambridge one
Tuesday next, and if it please you to beare your Brother com-
pany hether, we shall both be thankfull unto you and you
shall both be verie welcome : but if neither he will come soe
farre out of his way for my company, lett him but call at the
Shipp in Gravesend one Wedensday next and he shall find
me there ; nor you will take soe dustie a iorney upon you to
see me, I must be content to write that which I would gladly
speake unto you, my thankfulnesse for last kinde entertain-
ment and all your former favours, and if it please you but to
speake my service unto your Deare mother, and the best of
my respects unto your loving brothers and sisters, you shall
further bind him unto you who rests

Your Faithful Friend and Servant

Fran: Blechynden

Aldington Novem ,

30 th 1630

If Mr. Francis would have but stayed the writing of these
lines this messenger’s labour should have been spared.

60

1630] OXINDEN TAKES COMMAND

L

SAME to SAME

[MS. 27,999, f. 133]

Worthy Sir,

Ever since the danger of this towne’s heavie visitation
hath gratiously beene removed from amongst us, I have
waited in expectation of your brother’s returne againe unto
this place, but being hetherto frustrated, it renders me suspi-
tious that either our country delights hath alienated his
affection from his booke, which I should be sorie to heare, or
else some other occasions hath violently detained him from
it, which I beseech god to shorten, for I must feare that this
longe vacation will prove soe much lost time, soe that when
he comes (as shortly he must) publikely to shew himselfe, his
auditors will finde him to be a trewant, to his owne shame and
my discredett : but if it be sicknesse that withholds him from
me, he must arme himself with patience for the present, and
hereafter with double dilligence, whenas god shall restore
him unto his health againe ; as for his schollar’s place, there
is noe danger of loosing of it, though he continues with you
untell midsomer, for I have gotten him dayes untell then ; but
I hope these lines will rather hasten then putt of his iorneye.
Thus after my love remembred unto and my prayers for you
both I rest as you shall alwayes find me

Youre loving Friend

Camb. Feb . 14 Fran: Blechynden

1630

Pray forgett not to present my service unto your mother
and sisters.

LI

SAME to SAME

[MS. 27,999, f - 135 ]

Worthy Sir,

My laste letter directed unto you was but a summons to
call your brother hether, which your care did anticipate ; and

61

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1630

it was your care likwise (as he certified me) that frustrated my
expectation, for whereas I presumed that you would not send
him unto me emptie handed, he told me your reason was
because it would find a safer passage by the bearer hereof then
by him ; but finding that he is returned likwise without soe
much as an answere to my letter, I cannot but wonder at it,
and it doth imbolden me to be an earnest sutor unto you not
to lett this bearer returne without his errant this second time,
and God willing upon his nexte returne he shall bring you a
bill of my former disbursings for your brother, who now is
verie well, and if he neglect not the opportunitie which now
is offered him, he cannot desire nor I wish a more carefull
man to reade unto him then now I have provided for him,
and if you find any deficiencie in me any other way lett your
penn show it and I will labour to amend it, as one that studies
to expresse himselfe in what he is able

Your true Friend

From S. John's Coll: Fran: Blechynden

in Comb. March 23
1630

Pray present the best of my service unto your dearest
mother and of my love unto your loving sisters.

LII

THOMAS COPPIN to VINCENT DENNE
[MS. 27,999, f- 137 ]

[Cowsted, a manor in the parish of Stockbury, belonged at this
time to Edward Osborne of Hartlipp, Thomas Coppin’s uncle.

<4 Mr. Sharp ” and his daughter may have been of the Sharpes
of Nin’s Place, Great Chart, and “ Mr. Hay ” that Richard Hay
who was from 1614—1630 Rector of Murston, near Sittingbourne.]

Most Loving Uncle,

Your kinde letter of the 25 of March I have a while
since received and now returne you answer with many
thankes. And first concerning Mr. Sharp his daughter ; it
seemes you have not yett had any particular conference with

62

1631] OXINDEN TAKES COMMAND

her father or Mr. Quilter upon the busynes thought on, save
only that I should see her. You know the manner of this
age is first to know what shee is worth, but I perceive you
rather give me encouragements to follow her at Cowsted.
It is true by my uncle Osborne’s meanes, and I must thanke
him for his love, I had some wordes with her Brother, Mr.
Hay, concerning an intent that waye, but never hearing since
of any proceeding on their part, I saw myself as slighted, and
repent me to have shewed myself so forward. I hope God
will dispose of all for the best, to whom I adress myself dayly
by prayers for a blessing on this waye of marriage ; next I beg
your good love and counsell, whereto I shall be as obedient
as I am sure that will be sound and reasonable. I thanke
God and my good friends I doe meete some good proposi-
tions in these parts also, and on(e) in particular Mr. Baker
understands of, and he will certify you thereof more directly
then I can. It will be after Easter before I shall come downe
into Kent and untill then I shall referre all other busynes in
the meane time with your conveniency. I praye send me
up twenty pounds and let it be directed to Mr. Libbe Chap-
man for it may chance that I shall be out of the towne. Not
willing farther to importune you, I most humbly commend
my love and duty to my grandmother and to your self, hartely
praying for your health and the continuance of your love
toward me I rest

Your humble and affectionate

Nephew and servant

London 6 Aprilis Tho: Coppin

1631

LIII

FRANCIS BLECHYNDEN to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f. 138]

Worthy Sir,

I received upon the last returne of this Bearer a letter
from you, and with it five pounds, for both which lett my

63

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [163 1

thankfulnesse be accepted : from your letter I understand
that your desire is to bind your Brother unto five pounds a
Quarter, which desire of yours I have acquainted him with :
and alsoe have advised him to be more moderate in his
expences then of late he hath beene, which if he doth not
harken unto, I must be constrained to beare a stricter hand
over him then hetherto I have done, or else you must be
forced to alter your determination by increasing his allow-
ance ; he hath promised to keep within compasse, and I will
doe my best to see him performe it. In your Brother’s letter
you shall find a bill of my disbursings for him, the summe
whereof (as you may collect) is 7 1 . 10 s . n d . My occasions
call for the employment of my penn another way, wherefore
after my best love remembred unto your selfe and my ser-
vice unto your mother and sisters, give me leave to rest as
you shall alwayes find me

Your ever loving Friend

Camb. May 2 d Fran: Blechynden

1631

LIV

JAMES HOLT to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f. 140]

[The name of “ Thomas Dundeaux pleb. fil,” the “ Dundy ” of
Holt’s letter, is found among the students of Oxinden’s year, 1626
(Fowler, p. 453). “ Mr. Rainbow ” was probably John of Blyton,
Lincoln Scholar July 27, 1621, Fellow 1629. Edmund Rainbow,
also of C.C.C., lived to be Bishop of Carlisle. For James Holt’s
two brothers see supra , p. 27.]

Loving Freind,

I thanke you for your kind letter and Token you sent
unto mee by Thomas Dundy. I have not bin a litle dis-
tracted in mind since, by reason of the sudden losse of my
two Brothers here at the College, which made mee not a long
time to enioy any comfort or solace myselfe with any Frend.
I do crave pardon therfore for<my long silence. I had sent
ere this some Mathematicall bookes which you did once

64

1631] OXINDEN TAKES COMMAND

affect, could I have had a convenient messenger, but I doubt
not but I shall have both leasure and opportunity hereafter to
send them to thee. My busines at this time is to certify you
that there will be a Kentish Schollarship void very suddenly :
Mr. Rainbow his case is so desperate that he cannot live
above a day or two at most, so that your Countryman, Mr.
Simpson, wil be the next Probationer, and then the scholler-
shipp for that country will be void.

I pray let me heare from you whither you do purpose that
your Brother shall stand for it. I dare warrant him the glory
of the day if he have but a competent sufficiency and be not
over aged. I pray send me word of both. I know you shall
have freinds among the Electours, besides my selfe, that
shalbe ready to pleasure your Brother before any other. If
your Brother James, which you told mee was at Cambridge,
be above xviii or xix yeeres of age, as I thinke he is not, or els
be better sped there, if you have any younger Brother capable,
it wilbe no disparagement to venture him and make exper-
ience of your Freind’s love. Time was I could have given
thee some assurance of this place if it had fallen, howsoever
I will labour to the utmost of my power to obtaine yet for
your Brother if you desire it, and I thinke it will not be with
much difficulty effected. I pray let mee heare from you
suddenly, let not my letter be seene of any. I am and wilbe
in this or any other busines

Your faithful freind to my power
May the xxv. James Holt

mdcxxxi

LV

FRANCIS BLECHSTNDEN to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f- 142]

[Allen Henman, Kent Fellow of St, John’s College, 25th March,
1639, was ejected in 1650. He was a benefactor to his College
Library and his arms appear in the Liber Memorialise quarterly,
or and gu. on a bend sa., three crosses patt^e fitcWe of the first. 1 ]

1 Baker, loc . cit ., p. 294.

65

E

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1631
Worthie Sir,

Urgent occasions doe now call me from the Univer-
sitie into west contrye, and as yet I know not how long or
how Iitle while I shall stay there, wherefore I have thought
fitt to convertt your Brother to another man’s Tuition, whoe
I hope will be able to worke more good upon him then I can
do ; it is one Mr. Allen Henman, a contrye man of ours, a
verie honest man, and one which your Brother made choice
of, and I doe verie well approve of his choice, for I doe assure
myselfe that in eache respect he will show himselfe a carefull
and loving Tutor towards him ; wherefore my sute at this
present unto you is that you doe not faile to furnish him with
mony : as for what remained in my hands upon my last
accounts, it is disbursed alreadie, soe that a fresh supplie will
be earnestlie expected. Thus with the best of my love
remembred unto your selfe and the rest of your familie, in
great hast I rest

Your loving Friend

Comb. Jun: 2 Fran: Blechynden

1631

LVI

Draft Reply from henry oxinden to james holt
[MS. 27,999, f- H 1 ]

[MS. tom] . . . end I received your letter at Canterburie
the 4th day of June last past. [MS. torn] in manifest tokens of
the continuance of your love unto mee ; in being mindful of
the performance of a kindnes to your power, the promise of
which I had long [time] past forgotten : but since you have
againe put mee in minde of the same, moreover perceiving
your willingnes therein, I should negligently injure my
brother should I neglect the triall of so kinde an offer upon
probabilitie [MS. torn] obteined. Hee is now at Cambridge,
where he hath beene resident awhile and is yet under the age
of 19 yeares. I am greatly deceived if many that have had
lesse scholership have not beene admitted into your corpora-

66

HENRY OXINDEN OF BARHAM
From a portrait, by Cornells Janssen, in the possession of Miss M B. Slater
Photographer, B. & W Fisk-Moore

1631] OXINDEN TAKES COMMAND

tion. Neither doe I knowe anie thing to the contrairie,
partialitie being laide aside in your election, but hee may de-
serve it as well as another of his yeares. But relying nothing
thereon but onlie uppon your Friendship in procuring such
friendes as may best helpe him in the election, I shall alto-
gether trust uppon the same. My brother is in a schollers
place at Cambridge worth about 5 11 by the yeare, which he
may enioy no longer then till hee bee Master of Arts, and
therefore if you thinke fitting I will venture the fortune of
the day. I have a verie greate desire to obtaine it for him, if
it may bee had for love or monie, for hee must take some
course whereby to augment his fortunes, hee having left him
300 11 for his portion, and the same to bee paid him when hee
shall attaine unto the age of 22 yeares, and in the meanewhile
I will see hee shall not want. I shall take it as a great addi-
tion to your former kindnesses if uppon like [MS. torn]
hoods you endeavour to obtaine the said place for him, and
will not be tardie in the requitall of soe great a good tume.
If it shall please you to give me notice of the time of the
election hee shalbee present to stand for it. I desire you to
lay out this 4 11 , which I had sent ere this had I had oppor-
tunity, upon a Silver Tun and give it to the use of the col-
ledge. My last request unto you is that I may enioy your
companie this vacation and to continue with mee untill it bee
ended : I hope you will not doubt but you shall bee more
welcome then anie friend I have : my house and bookes,
myselfe and what else is mine being at your command. The
bearer hereof, my neighbour, by name Mr. John Wood, after
the Act will accompanie you allmost to my dwelling, who
being come to take the degree of Master of Arts will grate-
fully accept at your hands anie kindnes you may doe him in
the furtherance of the same. Thus in hast, hoping I shall
not faile of your compane and that you will remember my
love and service to such as are best affected to me, I rest
Your loving and faithfull Friend
June the fifth Henrie Oxinden

1631

67

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1631

LVII

JAMES HOLT to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f. 144]

[In February 1630/1 Thomas Jackson succeeded John Holt as
President of Corpus.

“ My Lord of Winchester,” Dr. Richard Neile, Visitor of the
College.

“ Mr. Kingman,” Robert, of East-Norrington, Somerset Scholar
November 7th, 1614, Fellow 1622.

“ Mr. Webb,” probably Benedict Webb of Wotton Under-
edge, Gloucester Scholar June 16th, 1615, and Fellow 1624. 1

Dr. Newell, a Canon of Westminster.

It was not “ young Sympson ” who secured the Scholarship,
but Thomas Francklin of Ashford.

Loving Friend,

These are to certifie you that a Kentish place is already
void, and wilbe chosen out of hand, wherfore I would desire
you to send your Brother hither with all speed, for I thinke
the time of the election wilbe within this fortnight or iii
weekes ; wee cannot tell certainly when it wilbe, before it be
warned, but in all likelihood it wilbe before the Act. The
President, Dr. Jackson, is now at London, and I have wrote
to my brother who liveth there to solicite Mr. Duncombe,
my Lord of Winchester his chaplaine, and Dr. Newell, who
have some power with him, to be earnest with the President
in your brother's behalfe for this schollarshipp. If we can
winne him over our hopes are wonderous good. It will not
be amiss for you to write to Dr. Bambridge to solicite Mr.
President in your Brother's behalfe at his retume from
London. I pray write a kind letter to Mr. Kingman and
Mr. Webb, who are the Deanes at this present, and desire
them to shew your Brother all lawfull and statuteable favour.
I will not trouble you to write to any of the rest, I will finde
opportunity to presse them sufficiently. I know your
Brother shall have faire play, it will not therefore be amisse
to venture him, let what will falle out, but I hope the best, it

1 Fowler, pp. 394 and 395.

68

1631] OXINDEN TAKES COMMAND

wilbe no discreclitt to him to try his fortune. I pray you
likewise to send me a Certificate of his age under the
Ministers’ and Churchwardens 5 hands : I could wish he were
under the age of xviii, howsoever he hath liberty to stand till
he past nineteene. He hath a young Sympson to oppose him
but we feare him not. I will take order for a convenient
lodging and dyett for him till the time of the election be
past, and instruct him what wilbe expected from him. If
your occasions would permitt you to come hither and bring
him along with you, I should be wonderous glad to see you,
and I know your Brother would find some favour for your
presence. I will bespeake a Tunne according to your
desire, but I will not deliver it till the Election be over, least
it shou’d be suspected it was sent as a bribe. I pray send a
little scheme of your Armes. Once more I doe entreate your
companie, I knowe it wilbe some furtherance to your
Brother and a great ioy to me, who am left

Your disconsolate yet true and
faithfull Frend

Jun: xv. mdcxxxi James Holt

LVIII

Draft Reply from henry oxinden to the foregoing
[MS. 27,999, f - i4S]

Loving Friend,

Let my mother’s unwillingnes of my soe longe and
farre absence from her if not altogether excuse yet somewhat
mitigate my offence in not fulfilling this your earnest request
in coming over unto you. Truly I wish with all my heart I
could conveniently have done it, both in respect of seeing you
as allso in making such meanes to the electors as might have
beene necessarie to the furtherance of the matter now in
hand. Howsoever I could have expected no more then
ordinarie kindnes from them : in regard I never was inti-
mately acquainted with them, and uppon the suddaine, by
making show of love and the like, to have gon about to have

69

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1631

procured their favour would iustlie have beene suspected a
meanes only to have served the present occasion. I can
desire noe more from them then this, that if the Parties that
shall oppose my Brother have noe neerer relation unto
them then myselfe, and a satisfaction for the kindnes they
may lawfully doe him that they would vouchsafe to show mee
such love as they might have expected from mee in as great a
matter. Friend to bee short (for soe the time compelles mee
to bee) the Electors will either be partiall or not partiall, if not
partiall it will bee in vaine to use any meanes unto them ;
if partiall, as is most likelie, (it being the nature of all men to
encline to that partie they best afect and from whom they
receive most kindnes) the best way will bee wholie to en-
deavour to sway theire affectione to our parte, to the effecting
of which I desire you to take all lawfull courses you can
imagine to bee most availeable. I will not stand out for
cost to the utmost value of the place, which (if necessitie
require) I earnestly desire you not to bee sparing in, but to
lay out for mee that you shall think requisite, and in all pos-
sible hast I will see you satisfied. I would that Mr. Kingman
and Mr. Webb did conceive that if they did my brother a
kindnes it should not bee done in vaine etc. I assure you my
brother is not nineteene yeares of age untill the middle of
August next ensufnge, as appeareth by a certificate herein,
under the Minister’s and Churchwardens’ handes of the parish
where he was borne. I conceive great hopes through your
love and endeavours of the obteininge of this place, which if
I shall infortunately misse, I desire you to see that my
brother make all the hast hee can to St. John’s Colledge from
whence hee came, where I would not have him bee knowne
during his absence where he hath beene. The latenesse of
the night will not suffer mee to proceede, wherefore without
any directions, leaving the whole ordering of the busines to
your discretion, ile now take my rest, and rest

Your loving friend

Henrie Oxinden

June 19. 1631

70

1631] OXINDEN TAKES COMMAND

LIX

JAMES HOLT to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f. 147]

Loving Freind,

Not to trouble you with many lines at this present ;
your Brother is safely arrived here in Oxford, and I wish I
had him a quarter of a yeare before, I would have made no
doubt of obteining the place for him. I have examined him
a litle since his comming, but I find him very raw in the
Greeke toung ; howsoever I thinke his opposites wilbe as
raw, onely there wilbe some difference in their yeares. I
have instructed your man somwhat, which if he can procure it
wilbe some advantage to your Brother. The election wilbe
in the Act weeke as they say, wherefore I would desire your
Company here at the Act, you should be welcome to many of
your good Freinds. Wee will use as good meanes as wee
can for the procuring of this place for your Brother, if he
faile of it I shall be more sorrowfull then you will be : there
be good hopes. In hast I rest

Your faithfull and true freind

James Holt

Jun: xxvii. MDCXXXI

LX

JAMES OXINDEN to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f. 149]

Oxford July the 10 1631
Deere Brother,

I know the vehement desire and the exceeding greate
care which you have of my welfare listeneth to heare some
news of the schollar’s place, but I cannot write any certainty
to you concerning it, by reason that there is soe many that
stand for it, to wit 9, that I allmostfeare of the obtainingit, but
still am in hope and in the meane time noe way shall be left
untried by me. Mr. Holt did greatly desire to have seene

7 1

.THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1631

you at the commencement, and did tell me that if you your
selfe were present it would goe better with me concerning the
schollar’s place. But I suppose your great busines in other
affaires would not suffer you to come. I cannot write to you
when the Election will be as yet, for it is at the Presedent’s
appointing and about a weeke hence he goes a progress into
his Contry , and then I beleive, if it be not before his going, that
it will not be this 8 weekes, and then I think I must retire
agane to Cambridg. I hope you arre all in good health. I
desire you to remember my Duty to my Mother, my love to
my Sisters. I will not at this time troble you with many lines
nor hinder my more carefull study in writing many lines ;
leaving noe way untried, and as the proverb omnem movebo
lapidem to the obtaining of it,

I rest

Your Loving Brother

James Oxinden

From C.C.C. in Oxford

I pray you, if you can conveniently, that you would not
let the church book be seene, but keepe it in the house, or
else order the Figures according to the writing that was sent
up by Good. Coper.

LXI

SIR JAMES OXINDEN to HENRY OXINDEN
[MS. 27,999, f. 15 1]

Good Nephue,

My marsh man was with me on tuesday last and tells
me that your haye is ready, and desires that you would out of
hand send for it ; there wilbe three great loades of it as he
sayes, and a neighbour] of his will helpe you carry one loade
if you please ; I finde the reason is because he hath bought
2 dozen of wattles beside you and so would have you pay for
his carriage so far, which if it be so there is noe question but
(if that you hire your wagon) he will do it somwhat cheaper

72

1631] OXINDEN TAKES COMMAND

then another ; this I promised him to acquaynt you with all.
So with my harty love to my good sister and yourselfe
I rest

Your affectionate uncle

13 July 1631 James Oxinden

LXII

JAMES OXINDEN to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f. 152]

Dearest Brother,

That misfortune of losing the Scholler’s place makes
me allmost affraid to write unto you, but I hope that you
having heard (i doubt not) that it was not any defect of me,
you will have me pardoned soe that my letters may have free
access and accepted as they were before ; having the oper-
tunyty of this carrier and being now allmost as they say ita
pauperior for want of money by reason that I cannot heare
from you, I therefor now intreate you to send me my quar-
terage. But me thinks I heare you wonder how it should
come to pass that I should want money soe sone, having re-
ceived some from you soe lately : but I hope the letter which
I sent you by my Cosine Pettet will expel that doubt out of
your mind : wherefor I intreate you to be soe loving as you
have always beene, and in this necessity to set to your help-
ing hand, and this time not to deny. And you shal not heare
from me againe till next quarter. Thus in hope of your
favour I goe forward, desiring you all soe that you would
desire my Mother to send me some bands and Cufts and
Hanchechers and 2 or 3 towells, which were promised me the
last returne of the Carrier and now I hope I shall not miss of
them, in which hope, being in greate haste, remembring my
love to you, my duty unto my Mother
I rest

Your ever loving Brother

From St. Johns Colleidg James Oxinden

August the 14 1631

73

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [163 1
LXIII

JAMES HOLT to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f. 154]

Loving Freind,

I had wrought unto you long ere this but that I had
a purpose to have scene you, but some accidents have fell out
since which have defeated mee of my journey and now the
Tearme is come in so that I can not stirre. Never was I more
sorrowful then that my endeavours could not take effect in
obtaining of a Schollar’s place for your Brother in our house.
I was loath to signifie first that (I suppos’d) unwelcome
newes, but I am glad you take it in so good a construction that
you do not misconster your frend’s well meaning by reason
the event was not more successful. I have presented a
silver Tankard to the College according to your desire of
4 1 price, with yours and likewise the College Armes engraven
on it, which was thankfully accepted of by the whole com-
panie, and it doth adde no small lustre to your reputation in
our College that having left it you have bin so mindfull of
it. I have sent backe to you the silver piece you sent for a
patteme enclosed in my letter. I should have bin glad your
Brother could have remained any longer with mee, that I
might have showed him some curtesie ; I hope it may be my
fortune to enioy you both with mee at Oxford, no Frends I
have shall have more free welcome. I remaine your debtor
still, but you shall heare further from mee when I can get a
convenient Messenger. In the meane time I committ you
to God’s protection and ever rest

Your ready and faithfull

freind to command

James Holt

Oct. xii

MDCXXXI

74

1631] OXINDEN TAKES COMMAND

LXIV

SIR ROBERT LEWKENOR to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f - l6 ]

[Sir Robert Lewkenor became the owner of Acris Place through
his wife, Catherine, co -heiress of Alexander Hamon of Acris
(d. 1613). The Lewkenors in 1666 alienated Acris to the
Papillon family. Sir Robert Lewkenor d. 1636 ; he had four
sons, Hamon, Robert, Stewart and Edward, and an only daughter,
Katherine, married to a Sprakeling, who fell a victim to her hus-
band’s brutality. 1 ]

Good Mr. Oxenden,

I have an Intention to fell and sell Canterwood this
year, which occasioneth me to be a sutar unto you for a double
Curtesie ; the one that when we make the fences you would
be pleased to take order that yours may likewise be repayred ;
the other that you would doe me the favour to way me to
Denton street (which way some must of Necessitye goe)
thorough your Land or by your Tenant, to whome satisfac-
tion shall be made if he have any harme, which if you shall be
pleased to grant me I shall take it as a very great Curtesie and
shall be ready to requite in the like or any other matter that
shall lye in my power, howsoever I shall not be wanting in a
thankfull acknowledgment of your Love. And soe with our
best respects to yourselfe and to your good mother and sisters
I rest

Your ever assured loving frend

to be commanded

Acris No : 15. 1631 Robert Lewkenor

LXV

SIR JAMES OXINDEN tO HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, *6o]

Good Nephew,

I have sent you heere inclose those p[ar]ticulars I will
assure you unseene and unexamined of any but myselfe ;
1 Hasted, lii. p. 346.

75

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1631

your Gloves and watch I will not forget if I may have them
safely conveyed unto you. I am sorry I disapointed you, my
occasions were such as in truth I could not spare him, but I
hope it is for the best. For sending for a barber for my
selfe, and thinking he might have some insight in the busines,
I carryed him to your horse, and neerely examininge that
touth we found that tho it sticke out farther then the rest yet
certenly it doth not vexe him or trouble his feedinge, which
we are both confident of. So with our best respects to our
good sister, yourselfe and the rest of our sweete cozens
I rest

Your very affectionate uncle

James Oxinden.

10 1631

LXYI

THOMAS COPPIN to VINCENT DENNE

[MS. 27,999, l6 *] „ ,

[William Boswell was appointed to succeed Carleton as Secretary
to the Hague in February 1631/2. He was knighted at Bois-le-
Duc in Brabant in the following July by John Philipott, Somerset
Herald (q.v. infra , p. 77).]

Most Loving Uncle,

. . } I must once more propound unto you my designe
to go over into Holland with Mr. Boswell (who is to be Agent
there). I feare your dislike thereof, which I am sure pro-
ceeds from your love and care of my welfare, wherefore I
should be most unthankfull and undutyefull should I doe
anything against your wishe which I have ever protested to
observe ; yett if it maye please you to consider what benefitt
maye arise from this going over, I doubt not but you would
not altogether disapprove thereof. It would sett me in a
waye to live like a good Comonwealthes man, in a vocation
iustefiable before God and man : and to the encrease of my
estate : the hazard I make is not much, foure or five months’

1 Ten lines of business detail here omitted.

76

1631] OXINDEN TAKES COMMAND

time and twentye pounds more or lesse in my expence : be-
sides the place is so neare that upon any occasion at ten dayes
warning I can be back agayne. I goe not now, as at first, to
wander up and downe from place to place to satisfye my
curiositye, but shall abide firme at one place and to some
employments. The Gentleman with whome I goe is well
knowne to the world to be an honest, noble and able man and
to sell in particulare both here at home and abroad by many
countreyes, that every one iudgeth it a most fitt opportunitye
to do my selfe good and make some use of those slender
studyes and travells I have alreadye made : besids he hath
protested to doe for me as he should for his owne sonne : and
that which troubles me most is that he seemes to have relyed
upon me and maye be preiudiced by my not going with him :
I humbly entreat you to conceive well of it and grant me your
leave, without which I will not stirre, but rather lett slip all
hopes in the world besyds, and wholy relye upon you : you
maye, I confesse, as you have beene, be still a father unto me,
and what prefeerement I loose one waye recompense it
another ; your countenance I know, may further me much in
marriage, but yett this I presume not one : it is the bond of
dutye and affection that tyes me to observe you and love you,
and no particular end of my owne, as God and my conscience
can testifye. Thus praying for your health I commend my
humble duty and affection to my Grandmother and yourselfe
and desire to receive one word or two from you, hoping you
shall discover what shall be best for me, where I rest
Your most affectionate Nephew

Tho: Coppin

London zz° Martii 1631

LXVII

JOHN PHILIPOTT to SIR JAMES OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f- 166]

[John Philipott, the friend of Camden and author of Villare
Cantianum , born between 1587-1597, was appointed Rouge
Dragon in November 1618 and promoted to Somerset Herald in

77

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1632

1624. In that capacity he attended the funeral of James I, riding
bareheaded from Theobalds to London in front of the cortege,
and was present also at Charles the First’s coronation. Among
many other offices he held that of Chief Gunner in the fort of
Tilbury, with a fee of is. a day, and was Steward of the Royal Manors
of Gillingham and Grain. The Oxindens and their neighbours
knew him best as Bailiff of Sandwich, and it is doubtless to him
that Sir Thomas Peyton irreverently refers (Letter CXLII) as “ the
Maltman Viceroy of Sandwich ”. Philipott made two excur-
sions overseas, m 1632 to knight Sir William Boswell, Resident
with the States of the United Provinces, and in 1635 to take the
insignia of the Order of the Garter from Charles I to Charles
Lodowick, Duke of Bavaria, at Bockstet. He followed the King
to Oxford and was for a time prisoner to the Parliament. He
died in 1645 an d was buried in St. Benet’s Church, Paul’s Wharf.
Philipott was, from this letter, evidently a great admirer of the
military genius of Gustavus Adolphus, King of Sweden. The
King was about to follow up his campaign in Germany with the
fatal expedition into Saxony, in support of John George I, the
Elector of Saxony, which ended, on November 15th, 1632, in his
death on the victorious field of Lutzen and the retreat of Wallen-
stein. 1 James, Marquis of Hamilton, had, in the previous year,
taken 6000 English and Scots troops, his own levies, to the help
of Gustavus Adolphus at Stettin. 2 ]

Noble Cosen,

I have with much desire expected to receve some good
tydings, such as I might present as good testemonies of the
promise I made at Wingham when you were pleased to heape
your loveing favours upon me. This day being the great
feast of All saincts and begining of Christmas, my good frend
Mr. Musenden, who hath ben fortunate in presenting good
newes to the king, brought certayne intelligence that all those
Rumors of Wallestane’s victories were vayne and forged by
those that would incourage a constant tye from the English
Catholikes to the private assistance of the emperiall warr.

The King of Sweden is now as absolute a Conqueror as
ever he was and in Moravia doth mightyly advance his
designe. The worst that Wallensten doth is some petty

1 Camb. Mod. Hist. y vol. iii. pp. 220, 221. 2 i&., p. 203.

78

1632] OXINDEN TAKES COMMAND

damages in Silecia which, if the Duke of Saxony do not oppose,
his to much ease and drink will render him mighty guilty.
The Marques Hamelton being returned gave assurance to the
king that all these Papisticall speches of advancing the actions
of Wallestyne were discrepant to the grounds and proceeds
of the King of Sweden, which very well accords with these
latter tydines. Surely if the Emperor do dy of any sicknes it
will make a sudden alteration by the new election of an other
Emperor, which if the Electors hurt themselves in, let them
never complayne, haveing had so Royall Testymony of the
King of Sweden’s goodnes.

Noble Cosen I have som petitions to make to you before
I close up my Letter. First to present my best affections and
service to my Lady Oxenden, next That you will give me a
release of errors and do me the honor to beleve that among
the Number of those whom you have obliged by your
Curtesey there is noane more intentyve to obey your Com-
mands then

Your truly affectionate Cosen
to serve you

Jo Philipott Somersett

1 October 1632

LXVIII

RICHARD OXINDEN to VALENTINE PETTIT THE YOUNGER

[MS. 27,999, f. 168]

Worthy Cozin,

Callinge to remembrance your many curtisies which
I soe often times have received from you and I not knowinge
how to requite the lest of them [MS. torn] it makes mee
new to greave and lament for my former follies, and nowe
[wish] that I were to begin the woorlde agayne, not that I
dooe any wayes dislike this coorse which I have now taken
but that I myth give summe sattisfacktion to my frendes for
my former extravigant coorses ; but since it is to late and the
time far wasted and I have allredy thrust myself into the

79

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1632

handes of Fortune, hoping that it will deele favorably with
mee [MS. torn] I desire that my frendes will forget and for-
give all the thingis that ar past and bee but now my pilate,
and once more steere my course to the banke of good fortune ;
and if ever heere after I dooe fale away from that which I have
[promised] then let mee bee put soe far oute of mynd that
never after to dooe so much as mension mee, but let mee bee
as if I had never bin ; but yow ar only [MS. torn] I dooe
invest my hole trust in. Consarning my maintenance heere,
for I have all wayes founde you a man of your woorde, I
must confes that I doe live uppone the states menes but very
basly and poorly, and it will not [MS. torn] only a disparage-
ment to mee but to my frendes hereby, for my ant 1 sayes that
I shall disgrace her, therfor good Cosen doe so much allsoe in
my beehalfe, for I am in want of shirtes and a gray hatt [MS.
tom] as yett I have nether ; pray lett mee intrete you to doe
mee that curtisy that if you can possible to send mee my
seles that I have many times spake to you aboute when I was
in London, and if yow plese but to take the paynes to write to
or three lines unto mee and inclose it in your Letter, and you
may give the Letter to my unkle proude, for hee will bee in
London aboute three weekes after Crismas ; thus intretinge
you to remember my duty to my mother, my sarvis to my
unkle Oxinden and my Ant and to my Cozen Elizabeth
Oxinden, 2, and my duty and sarvis to my [MS. torn] Barrowe
and my best respackted sarvis to your selfe
Your obliged servaunt

Richard Oxinden

From our garrison at
Arnam in gildarland this
14 th of December 1631

My Cozen Sanders dooth Remember his sarvis unto you
and dooth intrete you to sende this Letter to his fathar.

1 Mrs. Proud had now apparently joined her husband at the seat of war.

2 Evidently a mistake for Elizabeth Dallison ; she married November
22nd 1631.

80

1632] OXINDEN TAKES COMMAND

LXIX

JAMES OXINDEN to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f * i6 9]

Sic ubi fata vocant udis abjectus in herbis

Ad vada Maeandri concinit albus olor.

Soe let me (Loving Brother) udis lachrymarum undis
abiectus, sacrifice these my last lines unto you, how disas-
terous they will bee to your acceptance I know not; this I am
sure they cannot bee more greife to you to reade them then to
mee to write, and were not my fortunes call’d in question I
would not soe farre passe the bounds of modesty as to be soe
urgent with you. But seing that Necessitas non habet legem,
let it bee lawfull for mee at this time to use those words which
before I thought unlawfull ; and I am perswaded that you
could not think them soe if that you would but beleive what
a streight I am brought into by wanting of that money which
I writ before to you ; whoe by this storme have allmost made
shipwrack of all my foure yeares’ hopes. And if you doe not
at this time with a more gentle winde blow more favorable
uppon mee, I looke not but to bee for ever to be drownde in
the sea of dispaire, being allready allmost oute of hope to
repaire that which I have lost by your delaying ; and surely if
you had but knowne how much it did stande uppon yours
and mine one credit, you could have beene more carefull to
supply my wants, and did you but weigh into what misery I
am like to bee brought into I doe not doubt but you would bee
ready to healpe mee. I received the 7 11 which you sent mee
and you writ to mee that you thought it would cost mee but
five pounds to commence, but I protest unto you that others,
yea the poorest of all, have allmost disburst that beefore they
come to sit in the towne, which will cost above 3 11 more
besides there gowns; you may easily then perceive how
chargible it is to take a degree. And if it cost others soe
much, you may perceive how much it will stande mee in,
whoe for want of that am forct to be in the Towne, by reason
I am not willing to trouble you to come in the cuntry —
f 81

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1632

whereas if I had beene supplide beefore I might have beene
out before. I desire you therefore to send mee io 11 for I
protest unto you that I cannot have my degree under, for it
will cost mee more now then if I had sit for it before. And if
you will not send it mee out of your one will, I pray send it
mee out of that small pension which was left mee by my
Father. I shall bee very willing to receive soe much the less
then and I am sure it will doe mee more pleasure now. But
now me thinks I heare it againe reverberated Te invenisse
alium si te fastidit Alaxis. But if necessity will cause you to
think that I disdaine you, I shall never think that ever you
loved mee truly but made choice of another long before. I
intreate you therefore not to harboure any such thought
[MS. torn] brest but as you have often sd. before that you
would [be more] like a Father to mee then a Brother, I pray
[MS. torn] appeare, for then is freindship to be tride [MS.
torn] apparent when a man is in necessity. You writ to mee
the last time that you would not have mee come home by any
meanes, for it would bee such a greate greife to my Mother ;
farr bee it from you to think that I would wenter home
against any of your wills, least I have worse success then my
Brother, whoe as farr as I can heare hath better entertaine-
ment abroade, and for mine one part I had rather make a
forraine country my home then come to you to displease you
and be a greife to soe carefull a Mother. But why do I use
soe many words when as necessity compells mee to bee short ;
and why doe I interrupt you with soe many lines when as
Senica saith cum amicis litteras breves amicitias longas
habeto ; therefore desiring you like a good Physician not to
let mee to long to languish in this malady, like another
Neptune restore peace to my troubled minde.

Restituas pacem pelago exloque nitorem
Spemque animumque mihi speque animoque destituto
Sic tibi sacrifico peragam solennia ritu
Appendens adytis debita vota tuis.

From Cambridg this 14 th of Jan: 1632

83

1632] OXINDEN TAKES COMMAND

11

Sept. 17. My Brother James went to Cambridge and

let him have with him 6

Sent him in Novemb. by Shepheard (which he pro-
mis’d to repay) 2

Dec. 18. Sent him by Shepheard 5 5

Mar. 7. Sent him by Shepheard 5

Ap. 28. Sent him (which hee promised to repay) 2
Jun. 13. Sent him 5

25 5

Aug . 2:

James Oxinden
Januarie 19th 1632

Received by mee Thomas Dickenson, Cambridge Carrier
for Kent, of Mr. Henrie Oxinden for the use of Mr. James
Oxinden of St. Johns Colledge in Cambridge, Student, the
summe of ten pounds, I say Rc the day and yeare above
written

io 11

By mee Tho: Dickenson

83

PART III. 1632-1637

HENRY OXINDEN OF BARHAM’S
MARRIED LIFE

The Letter-writers (in italic) and their circle. Part III intro-
duces :

More Members of the Oxinden Family —

At Deane

Henry (b. 1614), eldest son of Sir James Oxinden : (described
throughout as Henry Oxinden of Deane to distinguish him
from his cousin and “ other self ”, Henry of Barham).

Elizabeth (b. 1610), da. of Sir James Oxinden, wife of William,
eldest son of Sir Maximilian Dallison, of Hailing ; (living at
Deane Manor with her parents and her young children).

James, son of Sir James Oxinden, (b. 1615), fell in a duel with
Jerome Manwood, February 1637/8.

At Maydekin

Brothers and sisters of Henry of Barham :

Katherine (b. 1610), elder da. of the late Richard Oxinden,
m. July 24th, 1636,

Thomas Barrow , draper, of Cheapside (cf. Letter XCIII).

Elizabeth, “ Bess ”, (b. 1616), younger da. of the same.

Adam (b. 1622), youngest son of the same, apprenticed in London,
to Mr. Brooks, mere.

The Sprakelings

Henry Saunders , son of Francis Saunders of Monkton and
Frances (Sprakeling).

Henry Johnson , son of John Johnson of Nethercourt, Thanet, and
Judith (Sprakeling).

The Peytons of Knowlton

'Mary, Lady Peyton , da. and co-heiress of Sir Roger Aston, Kt.,
Gentleman of the Bedchamber to James I ; widow since
1610, of Sir Samuel Peyton, Kt. and Bart.

84

oxinden’s married life

Anne (Anna), her eldest da., b. May 26th, 1612, m. St. John’s
day, 1632, Henry Oxinden of Barham.

Sir Thomas Peyton , her eldest son, b. Aug. 18th, 1613.

Margaret, her youngest da., m. James Kent of Chartham, Feb.

22nd, 1635 (“ my sister Kent ”) {cf. Letter CXIII).

Her younger sons, Samuel and Edward , a student at Wadham
College, Oxford.

Ann, sister of Sir Samuel Peyton, m. Mr. Thomas Hales of
Bekesbourne, near Canterbury (" our friendly Aunt,”
cf \ Letter LXXII) ; their sons, Charles and Robert, are
mentioned.

Some Kentish Gentlemen
Sir Peter Hey man of Sellinge.

Sir Basil Dixwell of Brome.

Sir James Hales of Dungeon Manor, Canterbury.

The Rector of Denton, John Swan (in succession to Dr. Francis
Rogers).

At Oxford

Sir Nathaniel Brent , Warden of Merton College.

At Cambridge

Henry Fallowfeildj Tutor of St. John’s College.

INTRODUCTORY

Part III (Letters LXX-CXIXa) opens with the marriage of
Henry Oxinden of Barham to Anne Peyton, and the consequent
family letters of congratulation and good advice (Letters LXX-
LXXIV). James and Richard, still unsettled and constantly
impecunious — the latter being in debt to his aunt, Mrs. Mary
Proud (Letters CII-CV) — are a source of anxiety to their widowed
mother and elder brother, while the career of Adam, youngest
of the family, is now beginning in London (Letters C, CXI,
CXII). Henry puts down his hawks and takes to hunting with
spaniels, in which innovation his neighbours are interested
(Letters LXXXVI, LXXXVII). He discusses his claim to a
faculty pew in Barham Church and is advised by Sir Nathaniel
Brent (Letters CVII-CIX).

Mrs. Katherine Oxinden divides her time between her brick
house in Denton and the Sign of the Maydenhead, her new son-in-
law, Thomas Barrow’s home and place of business in Cheapside,
where, however, she sometimes feels neglected (Letter C et seq.).

8 S

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1632

Sir Thomas Peyton, Henry of Barham’s lively brother-in-law,
makes an irreverent entrance (Letter LXXII) and expounds his
philosophy of marriage (Letter LXXXVIII).

Henry Oxinden of Deane is courting his first wife, Mary Baker
of London ( cf . Letter XCI), and seeks the sympathy of his
“ Jonathan ”, his cousin Henry of Barham.

The kindly Sir James keeps an eye on all the family interests,
especially upon his nephew’s property (Letter XCII, etc.).

His wife, Margaret, Lady Oxinden, advises in her niece’s
sickness (Letter CXVI).

Sir Basil Dixwell of Terlingham is engaged in creating his new
estate of Broome Park which adjoins the Maydekin fields, and
Henry Oxinden negotiates for a share (Letter LXXXI).

LXX

HENRY SAUNDERS to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f. 170]

[Henry Oxinden of Barham and Anne Peyton were married at
Bekesbourne, on St. John’s Day (Dec. 24th O.S.), 1632]

Lovinge Cosine,

I have beene an 111 steward for your monie, yet about
xxixs I lent it out ; the band you shall rec. when I next
meete with you, beinge sorie I mist you at your beinge last
at my house. Having so certeyne a messenger I could not
but congratulate your happie marriage, hopinge at our next
meetinge to receave so much assurance thereof as a payer of
Gloves, although I weare not at the sole invithacon thereof,
and thus hopinge your likings will continue ever without
dislike, with my hartie commendations to my unknowne
cosine, as also to my good cosines your mother, brother and
sisters, in hast I rest

Your ever lovinge cosine

Henr: Saunders

Canterburie this z\th
ofjanu. 1632

86

1632] oxinden’ s married life

LXXI

MARY, LADY PEYTON to MRS. ANNE OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f. 171]

[A note to this letter in Henry Oxinden’s writing says : “ This
letter was written by the Lady Mary Peyton, wife of Sir Samuel
Peyton of Knolton,Kt. and Baronet, to Anna, her eldest daughter.”]

Doughter Oxinden,

Which title I must now give you, your brother hath
so weall satisfied me in your match that I wish you much joy
and hapines, and withall be carful that, whatsoever you doe,
to love honer and obey your housband in all things that is
fitting for a resonable creture. [I] will desir nothing that is
unresonable, you know what I have sufferd yet God hath
delivered] mee out of it, though with infinit afliction for
the time. I have had so [much] spech with your brother
conserning your father’s wille and your portion, which he
would not beleeve till I showed him the will, he is now con-
firmed in it and says you shall have your dewe as soune as he
can ; be sur of this you shall have it, though you stay som
tim for it, in the meantime let no respect be wanting to your
housband and his mother, with the rest of his frends, in this
you shall gain yourself a good reput and shew yourself a
vertuous wife whoes pris is not to be valued ; as for the
bisines you writ to me about, I am ashamed I cannot doe it
for you, my housband siems to give me pour [power]
though I have no pour, he hath been so ill a housband of lat
that I never was so put to it to bring the wourld about as
now I am, besids he 1 is to pay a gret deale of mony this next
terme, wher he will have it I know not ; only this I am sur
he will suffer ; his father delt most unworthylie with us,
which in[forces] me to doe what I would not.

I think to be at London this next terme, wher I shalbe glad
to meete you, if not I desier to see you hier. Your brother
houmfery remembers his service to you. So with my
prayers to God to bless you, I rest as ever

Your asured loving mother

February the 19 th 1632 Mary Peyton

1 1.e. her son, Sir Thomas Peyton.

87

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1633

LXXII

SIR THOMAS PEYTON to MRS. ANNE OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f. 172]

[On their father, Sir Samuel Peyton’s death, the young Peytons
were left in the guardianship of their uncle by marriage, Mr.
Thomas Hales. This may perhaps have been one of Lady
Peyton’s grievances against her husband . In the marriage register
Anne Peyton is described as “ now under the government of
Thomas Hales of Bekesbourne Esq., who consents.”]

Deare Sister,

To tell you all passages happening at our arrival here
would be more tedious then the story of Virginia’s plantation.
I will only recite some particulars from which as skilfull
Symmetrians will proportionate the whole Lyon upon the
sight of his claw, soe you may gather probabilities of an un-
quiet sequell. It seemes our retume was nott expected these
10 weekes, therein fulfilling a whole Quarter of a yeare, which
I much merveile at, since here io day es’ visitation is enough
to make a foe of the best freind liveing. And as our Cousin
Charles lately sayd, our absence did promise great tran-
quillity of mind to our freindly Aunt, soe at our retume her
sorrow was as aboundant. Rachel mourned for her children
because they were nott ; this Rachel hath for us because we
are ; and surely Job’s greife for the losse of his whole brood
could not paralel the disquieted mind of this Epitome of
sinne, faynting at mee as at the sight of a Basilisk because I
and my man Foxe are come to eate up her greene-geese. Our
solitary young Catt looked upon mee when I came in as if I
had beene a mouse, even ready to eate mee up, for stealing
her deare Companion and Cousin Pusse, the same which
you have : I pray use her well, and when shee’s well growne
our Catt will invite her over to a warme mouse. My sisters
(poore Soules) they live here, it may bee as your catt doth
amongst the dogges, in a pittyfull feare. My Aunt they love
and respect as the Indians doe the Divell, that shee might
doe them noe hurt, for noe other end. For my part I wish

88

1633 ] oxinden’s married life

shee would butt winke an houre in iest, I’de helpe to putt her
in her grave in earnest. These lines have there Origin all
from the Serpentine dispo[si]tion of her who makes mee the
marke for all her venemous arrows to be directed at ; lam the
subiect of her vile discourse, the obiect of her petulant
laughter and sleeve derisions, and therefore wonder nott at
what I write, had it beene ten times worse. Butt nott to
make you misemploy the time any longer in the reading of my
polluted lines, polluted I say, by the only mention of our
mischeife-plotting Aunt ; I will conclude with this sub-
scription (as I have ever done) that I am still
Your assured loving brother

Thom: Peyton

Beakesborne , May 12th , 1633

This weeke a great part of our family trots towards
Gravesend for London, from thence the voyage holds to the
bath, from whence there returne will be about midsummers.

My uncle Peryente we heare is dead.

Remember mee to Mrs. Oxenden and to Mrs. Kath: and
Eliz: You might nott forgett me to my brother Oxinden,
your husband.

LXXIII

HENRY OXINDEN OF DEANE to HENRY OF BARHAM

[MS. 27,999, f * * 73 ]

[This letter introduces Henry Oxinden of Deane, eldest son of
Sir James Oxinden and afterwards (1678) the first Baronet. At
this time he was a young man of nineteen, and may either have
been travelling for his education or serving with the army abroad :
Sedan from which he writes was the capital of the Duchy of
Bouillon and a centre of activity during the Thirty Years’. War.
Later on Henry Oxinden was engaged in business of some kind in
London with his father ( cf . Letters CCXXXVII, etc.). He
may have been a barrister but his name has not at present been
identified in any of the Inns of Court : he was neither a member
of Gray’s Inn like his cousin Henry of Barham, nor of the Middle
Temple like Sir James Oxinden.]

89

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1633
Good Cozen,

I confesse to have received a letter from you long
since wherein your kind love proferd and solid consell given
is kindly embrac’d and diligently striv’d to follow. Yet I
desire you that you would not take ill this my long silence, my
capacitie being altogether insufficient to answere you accord-
ing to that Stile, which hath caused this lettslip. But yett
I resolv’d to writt these lines least you should thinke that I
slight your good consell, and that if I should lett slip this
oportunity it would demonstrate ingratitude, though your
desert and my love bindes me to performe more service then
consisteth in the writting of a few freindly and unpolished
lines. I participat greatly in your joy in that you are so well
marred (sic). Pray present my love and service to my aunt
and my cosin your wife, and to the rest of my cosins. So with
my best love and service presented to your selfe. I leave you
to Heaven’s protections and remayne for ever

Your affectionat loving cozen

Hen: Oxinden

Sedan the 25th
of May 1633

LXXIV

SIR JAMES OXINDEN to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f. 176]

Nephew Oxinden,

I am very sorry that I was not at home when my
neice and yourselfe were at my house yesterday, that I might
then have invited you by word of mouth that now must do it
by writing ; the truth is had I bin the invitor this had not bin
to do at this time, but except only those in our owne parish,
I’le assure you the bridegroome inviteth all, yet now I will
make bould to intrude on his office and earnestly entreate
that my sister, my neice and yourselfe, tomorrowe, beinge
Thursday, wilbe pleased to dine with us, where tho your
cheere may be shorte, yet upon my worde you shalbe sure

90

1633 ] oxinden’s married life

to finde a hartly and large welcome, to whome I pray com-
mend the best respects of

Your affectionate uncle

James Oxinden

From Deane this
17th July 1633

LXXV

SAMUEL PEYTON to HENRY OXINDEN

MS. 27,999, f. 183]

[Thomas, eldest son of Henry and Anne Oxinden was born at
May dekin, February nth, 1633.]

Good Brother,

Your invitation of my Cozen Robert Hales and myself
to the Christning of your young son hath obliged us to you
both, my sister and yourself ; and I hope you will pardon us
if our absence pleade us immodest in the deniall of your re-
quest ; for my owne part, as farre as my slender posse will
extend itself, you shall not accuse my welle [velle], either
being correspondent to the other and both to you : but
having so good a plea as the distance of the place, or the
inconvenience which may arrive by the making of a journey
for so small an abode as a day or two, I shall desire to be
excused. Thus after my love to yourself and my sister, wish-
ing you the accomplishment of your desires,

I rest

Your loving brother

Sam: Peyton

London Feb: 20. 1633

I intreate you to excuse what time hath made imperfect,
the expression of service and love which your courtesies
extended to mee doe claime as their due ; a future occasion
and opportunity shall make amends for the present.

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1634
LXXVI

MRS. KATHERINE OXINDEN to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f * i8 7 ]

Harri,

I wold have you com too mee too nigth or tomorrow
be times for i heare by your ante proude that James is com
to Lundon too Dick, whether hee mene to go over or no i
know not hee sent to Keate 1 for 30s which hee saide hee will
paie in agust be case hee saies you will send hem none an
becase i knowe not whether he had resented youres or no,
writing pervestly to her for it I bid her send it hem. She
haveng writ her letter an all reddi a letter came from your
ant proude that som spidie cores mith bee taken for which
cores i wold faine speake with you for i wold not have you
goe to Lundon. This in hast not knowing well what i have
writ. But when you com i will tel you, pray do not defer
time. This with my love to yourselfe an my dafter
I res.t

Your loveing mother

Kathern Oxinden

May 23 1634

LXXVII

JAMES OXINDEN to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f - l8 8]

Most Loving Brother,

I receiving my Mother’s letter, though indeede that
needed not for my accusation in writing so peromtorily unto
you, for myself after serious consultation is a sufficient iudg
to condemn mee of my folly, of which I am now (O si
prseteritos revocet mihi Jupiter annos) hartilie (i feare to late)
sorie for it : my necessitie I confess was very urgent, and it
was it seemes the carriar’s fault to detain it from mee soe long,
which hath (i feare) incurred your more sevearer displeasure.

1 His sister, Katherine Oxinden.

92

1634] oxinden’s married life

But I hope your better iudgment weighing how prowne
youth is uppon the smallest occasion to interpret the worst,
you will pardon this crime, which if teares can expiat,
Perlegis et lachrymas finge videre meas. T’is true I have
scarse that mask of Impudence (having so grosslie offended
you) as to seeme to excuse my fault, being soe great, untill I
considder the tendemes of your nature, which is soe apt to
forgive ; I with confidence here unlock myselfe unto you,
desiring once more to bee ingrafted into your favour, which
if I shall obtain I shall pose Arethmatick in giving thanks unto
you and shall think you the sole Brother of humanity. My
request unto you is that you would send mee my Quarteridge:
for I must needes make mee a sute of Clothes before the com-
mencement. I think it doth not want above a weeke of a
Quarter since I had my last Quarteridg. I received it the
1 2th of March and now it is the 27th of may. I am sure by
that time I shall receive it the time will bee full expird. In
the meane time I doubt not of your Brotherly care and your
indulgent affection toward mee, which as it hath allways
beene soe, it will now bee reddy to healp mee in my necessity .
I know that my Brothers’ urgent occasions hath allmost
suckt you dry of money and therefore I would not, were I not
forct, trouble you, but I hope you will pardon mee at this
time, desiring to bee remembred both to you and your loving
Bedfellow I reste

Your loving Brother

James Oxinden

From Cam: May the 2.7th
i634

LXXVIII

MRS. KATHERINE OXINDEN to SIR PETER HEYMAN

[MS. 27,999, f. 192]

[Sir Peter Heyman of Sellinge, son of Henry Heyman of bomer-
field and Rebecca, da. of Robert Horne, Bishop of Winchester,
served three times in Parliament as Member for Hythe and Dover.
He married 1st, Sarah Collet of London ; and, Mary Wolley of

93

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1634

London ; d. 1640, bu. St. Alphege Church, Canterbury. 1 The
widowed Mrs. Katherine Oxinden appears to have been at this
time a tenant of Sir Peter’s ; as we shall learn she was constantly
moving about and gave her son Henry anxiety by her restless
habits.]

Nobull Sur,

I desire that you will doo mee the favefor to let me
have a Chamber more for a time too lay a sick boddi in if i
shold have ani visited with the smale poxe for it tis so rife
that I looke everi day when one of us shale have it an if it be
Godes plesure that it must bee so I wolde faine take the
likeliest corse to keepe the soune from the infachded which I
can by no menes doo But by your nobull cortisi for it tis at
Broufes and wee fech water an bake together an when wee
whash we have noe remidie but too come together if they
will intrud them selfes in to the kichen which roome if it bee
your plesure i desire too have to my selfe for this time it can
be no hinderrance to Broufe nether do i thinke hee wolde
denie mee if i sholde aske him but they bee so puckly
[quickly] angri an there mines so changable that i am loth in
so wateri a bissines to wenter the uttering of there mines
this with my best respaxe to your kine selfe an ladi i rest
your frende to doo you servis

Kathrin Oxinden

Aug. 3. 1634

LXXIX

SIR PETER HEYMAN to MRS. KATHERINE OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f. 192]

Good Mrs. Oxinden,

You may be pleased to take any chamber that lyes
fitting for you, for this present use and till I have farther
occasion.

As for the kitchen, I am well content to pleasure you with
it till myne use therof require it otherwise ; I pray let Bruff

1 Hasted iii, p. 448.

94

1634] oxinden’s married life

know so much and thus, with my love unto you I rest your
frend to serve you

Pet: Heyman

4 Agust 1634

LXXX

JAMES OXINDEN to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f. 195]

Loving Brother,

I may, and that justly, think humanity to have beene
exil’d or have beene devorct from all hearts were shee not
lodged in yours, whom excluding all others I may call the
sole borne sonne of humanity, whose curtisie swift winged
time, having lost soe many feathers, is to poore to furnish me
with dayes enough to express my service unto you and
Arethmatick is to poore to multiplie thanks enough for your
former curtesies. But to omit the idle heaping up of words
which arre to frivilous to trouble your more serious occasions,
as in all things I desire to satissfie your desires, soe I am
desirous to acquaint you with my acourrants in Cambridg ;
my Scholler’s place (though with great difficulty) I doe re-
tain, by reason some envious people, more for envy then
any hopes to obtaine it, would needes attempt it, but the
master of our Colleidg 1 and some other of my freinds,
accepting my excuses, would not deprive mee of it. My
Chamber I have lost and can not heare of Mr. Bletchinden,
and therefore I desire you if possible you can to send mee
my Quarteridg to bee heere the 10th of December because
wanting of it I can not furnish myself, but time will not suffer
mee to be to long and therefore remembring my self unto
you, hoping that you are in good health

I rest your ever loving Brother

James Oxinden

From Cam. November the nth

1634

1 Dr. William Beale.

95

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1635

LXXXI

HENRY OXINDEN to SIR BASIL DIXWELL

[MS. 27,999, ff. 201 and 202]

[When Sir Basil Dixwell of Terlingham, near Folkestone, set to
work to build up his new estate in the lovely valley and along the
hills between Barham and Denton, he secured in the first place
some 381 acres originally belonging to Sir Dudley Digges which
formed the Manor of Broome. Next he added 130 acres, together
with a farmhouse and outbuildings, purchased from John Lush-
ington, a yeoman of Stelling, whose family had farmed in the
neighbourhood for several generations . This addition consisted of
fourteen several pieces, upon some of which Henry Oxinden had
set his affection, and for which he had begun to negotiate with
Lushington before the wealthier Sir Basil appeared on the scene.
In the Dean and Chapter Library two handsome parchment
scrolls, each bearing a stout red seal, are preserved, dated the one
October 7th, the other October 24th, in the year following the
date of Henry’s letter, 1636. They make plain the reason of his
importunity. His Naboth’s vineyard included, under the name
“ Medkins ”, several parcels chiefly of arable land, amounting in
all to some 19 acres, which abutted on his own house and grounds
and had probably once formed part of the Maydekin estate.
“ Medkins ” lay also adjacent to “ Maers ”, some land of much
the same acreage which he was prepared to exchange with Sir
Basil. On three sides Maers bordered on Kelldane, Whitehill
and other property now absorbed into Broome, and it cut awk-
wardly into Sir Basil’s ring fence. The parchments prove that
Henry Oxinden’s caustic pen triumphed. Medkins became his,
by fair exchange for Maers, together with a “ Hempel spott ” of a
yard in extent, a bit of woodland bordering on Sir Basil’s copses
called Waldersheare, and the right of passage from the highway for
every sort of conveyance, through “ a little slipp of land called
Horseleeze ” hitherto belonging to Maydekin.]

Noble Sir,

How much I shalbe bound unto you I am confident
that the performance of your promise (by mee neither
doubted nor forgotten) will give mee ample cause to express.
In confidence whereof I request that you will let mee have
such a quantity of the lands heretofore Lushintons now yours

96

SIR BASIL DIXWELL, KT , OF BROOME PARK.

From a portrait attributed to William Dobson, in the possession of Galenes
S. Hartveld, Antwerp.

Photographer, Medici Society.

1635] oxinden’s married life

as is most convenient for mee ; and that is the place, orchard
and pasturefeild thereunto adioining, part of a feild called
Medkin, the little greene cloase above it, with the two sawen
feilds, being about 13 acres reaching to Waldercheire wood.
And that this my request is not unreasonable I doubt not but
your self will thinke if you call to mind the passages that were
betwixt your self and mee before you purchased the lands
aforesaid. But because it is the nature of all of us men to bee
purblind in our owne cases and to bee forgetfull of our owne
words if they bee repugnant to our owne present wills and
desires, give mee leave to put you in mind of them, as likewise
how the case stood at the first between yourselfe and mee ;
and it did thus. I meeting with Lushinton not long before
the sale of his land offered him monies for parcell thereof, he
answeared that if hee sold one part hee would sell all ; wher-
uppon (to be short, for I will relate the matter unto you with
as much brevity as it will give me leave) I asked him what he
would take for the whole purchase, hee answeared 1400 11 . I
offered him 1200 11 , wee not agreing parted for that time. The
next time I mett him I asked him againe what hee would take,
hee answeared then not under 1 500 11 . I offered him 1300 11 , he
answeared mee, noe ; hee would not take lesse then 1500 11
and that hee had rather exchange his land with mee for part
of a Farme I had at Gatehurst then sell it out and out ; in
conclusion wee parted and made noe agreement. After this
I considering with myself that it would somewhat advantage
mee if I gott the forsaking 1 of the land aforesaid for some
reasonable time, I rid over to him to his house ; hee promised
mee before his brother Abbot and good man Anslow of
Kingston that whatsoever any man would offer him, I should
at that price have the forsaking thereof for a quarter of a
yeare : having obteined my desire I sent you word how that
I knew a matter that did somewhat concerne you and if so
bee you would ask mee of it I would relate it unto you ; you
came to my house, where I told you how that Lushinton had
promised mee the forsaking of his lands, how that if I bought

1 Refusal.

97

G

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1635

them you should have what part thereof lay most convenient
for you ; requesting withall that if you bought them you
would doe mee the like curtesy. You promised it, onlie
putting in this quaere, how we should agree about the house ?
My answeare unto you was, that you was a builder, and I had
some occasione to build, and that wee might take it downe
and you have the one part, I the other ; you were contented
with it, and afterward lovingly you parted. Not long after
you bought the whole Farme, the newes whereof coming unto
my eares was exceeding welcome, for I built such a strong
confidence uppon the foundation of your promise that I did
as verily as anie article of my faith beleive that whatsoever
land lay most conveniently for mee was mine owne ; such
was my beleife, soe great was the confidence I had in that
man whom the world so much extolled for being iust, faithfull
and honest in his word and dealings. Neither as yet will I
be induced to beleive (till I find) to the contrary. For far it
is from mee to thinke that faith, iustice and honesty are
ornaments only in fashion amongst private men, holding that
the greater and richer a man is the more he is bound to excell
in them. Ther is a saying Quod differtur non aufertur, so
though you have as yet differred the conveiance of those lands
I have for valuable consideration requested of you, I doe not
therfore conclude, nor thinke, I shall not have them ; I
only put you in minde of the performance of what I cannot
but suppose you have alwaies intended ; for you told me
before you went last to london that you so intended to deale
with mee ; which obligation of yours hath soe far ingaged
mee as to cause mee to be willing, uppon such reasonable
termes as shall bee thought fitting, to lett you have that part
of mine inheritance as shall best accommodate you, being
parcell of a feild called Maers, and that of about 15 acres ;
and that fifteene acres of the best land I have j neither can
I, or may I, uppon any other tearmes ever part with one foot
ther of. I thank god if occasion shall serve I have according
to the proverb more nailes to drive then one, and such as are
farre fitter then that. And if so bee it shall chance contrary

1635] oxinden’s married life

to my expectation so to happen that I shall have none of those
landes promised unto mee, I must then rest myself contented
with mine owne, uppon which I shall receive one greater
benefit then on any of the lands I should have of you, and that
is the prospect of that superlative house of yours which is
now a building, whose rare fabrick and unparalleld beauty
cannot chuse but affourd an infinite delight unto mee,
especially when I shall behold it without controlment at so
neere a distance ; who would not value at a high rate the
equall fruition of so beautifull an object as will cost an un-
expected number of thousands, what man is hee that would
part with such a pleasure without especiall cause and valuable
consideration moving him thereunto ? Certainly I think
none ! wherfore excuse mee if I will not part with soe great
a convenience except I shall have iust causes, which iust
causes I shall thinke to bee noe other than to accommodate
you and to have that land which is now requested by mee and
was hertofore inclusively promised by you. I say inclusively
for you told mee that I should have what lay most convenient
for mee, and as I said before, did your owne selfe make a
motion interrogative wise how we should agree about the
house ? Whereby any man may conceive that your intention
was then that I should have it : I say your intention, for I
will not as yet soe much as thinke that you spoke that which
you never intended ; though I am not ignorant that it is the
custome of some men who are accounted worldly wise soe to
doe, of whom it is said Filii huius saeculi sunt prudentiores
filiis lucis in generatione Me. These kind of men have allwaies
honest and faire pretences semblable to the world and such
perticular persons as they have to deale withall, but their
reserved meanings and reaches are thereby to over reach
honest and plaine dealing men ; these are such as evermore
tume their countenances toward such as they have anything
to doe with (as if they ment them as well as themselves) but
their mind to their own particular advantage, making neither
reckoning of friendship or honesty where they find opportunity
to deceive. Yet notwithstanding they would faine seeme to

99

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1635

bee honest, and by a hypocriticall shew and faire outside may
induce many shallow braine people, which have had no triall
of them, to think them soe ; but men of an indifferent
capacity, when they shall once come to have any experience
of them, will easilie find what they are, ney though their
close intentions be like deepe water, a man that hath under-
standing will draw it out (Pro: 20, v: 5). Wherfore they that
deale uniustly, and by setting counterfeit colours on uniust
actions, to the intent to make them seeme the more faire, and
to dazell the eies of the world, will at the last find that their
colours are not of proofe, but will fade to their owne disgrace
and shame. Let these kind of men be never so sly in their
deceipts, and flatter themselves never so much that they do
them soe neatly that men discry them not ; they are mistaken,
they that use them monstrantur digito ; they are knowne
well enough. Few men are so simple but can tell when they
are deceived and over reached, let the deceiver bee as cun-
ning and subtile as he can to persuade to the contrary.
Wherfore in my opinion, the greatest policie is to be an honest
man, to doe to all men as wee would they should doe to us,
to deale iustly and plainly without any equivocations or
reservations in our words, and soe I persuade myselfe you did
with mee in our agreement before you purchased the lands
which are now the occasion of this my writing unto you . You
have now the law in your owne hands and may therefore doe
as you please. However remember to deale iustly and that
really and not in show only, for Nisi abundaverit iustitia
vestra plus quam Scribarum et Pharisaeorum non introibis
in regnum caelorum is the saying of our blessed Saviour. 1
It is said of Demosthenes that he esteemed those men most
praiseworthy who preferred dealing iustly before any kind
of profit ; for said hee, any man might purchase riches, but
the glorie of being iust was not to be bought with mony.
Such was the iustice of Frederick the Emperour, that
having the bringing up of Ladislaus, 2 King of Hungary and

1 The Greek equivalent of Matt. v. 20 is given in the margin.

8 Frederick III brought up his nephew Ladislaus V till the age of five years,

IOO

1635] oxinden’s married life

Bohemia, and being persuaded by some politick pates to
put the said King to death, affirming that his life might after-
wards affourd great molestation unto him, but his death
kingdomes and riches, hee not only refused to follow their
counsell but answeared in anger, that soe belike they would
have him to bee a rich and potent King rather then a good and
iust one. But I, said hee, prefer iustice and a good name
before any earthly good whatsoever. Thousands of like
examples could I reckon up, not only of Christians but of
heathen men, whose iust dealings have eternized their
memorialle to all ages, but I think it needlesse, seing I hold
opinion that you neede noe example to move you thereunto ;
neither I hope, shall I ever read of anie one whom I shal
have greater cause to extoll for being iust in his dealings then
yourselfe. I doubt not but you know the reward of soe
doing. In memoria aeterna erit mstus, saith the Psalmist, and
in another place, the Lord knoweth the daies of iust men and
their inheritance shalbe perpetuall ; they shall not be con-
founded in the perillous times and in the dayes of famine they
shall have enough. Non proderunt divitiae in die ultionis :
iustitia autem liberabit a morte, saith Solomon in his pro-
verbs. Sunt iusti sapientes et opera earum in manu Dei,
Ec: 9: Qui iusti habitabunt in terra et simplices permane-
bunt in ea ; qui vero inique agunt auferentur ex ea. Pro: 2.
Divers other places ther are in the scripture which promise
not only a temporall but allso an everlasting reward to them
that deale iustly, but if your owne good disposition, nor what
I have allready said and alleiged will not bee sufficient to
moove you thereunto, I despaire that either the tongue of
men or Angels, ney I will say more of God himselfe (for I
have alleidged his owne wordes) will be able to prevaile with
you, and soe I rest

Your loving Friend to command

Henrie Oxinden

March xxviii
m.dc:xxxv

101

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1635
LXXXII

JAMES OXINDEN to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f. 203]

Loving Brother,

I know not whether I shall more wonder or greive,
viz. whether I should more wonder at your lettars’ long
absence or greive at my soe long depravation of not hearing
f[MS. torn] but that my often desires being frustrated have
incorporated them into one and have made m[MS. torn] the
very Eppitome of greife. My thoughts were never soe
Gyant like as to bee repug[MS. torn] unto you whome I may
call my Numen propitium : neither did my heart ever
[MS. tom] the least Embrio of any discontent untill my
shame (I am ashamed to speake it) [MS. tom] onely formed
but brought forth. I know not into what Channell the
streame of your [MS. torn] runs into, that my lettars can not
bee soe fortunate as to arrive or harbour with you ; or what
blast blowne by the nipping winds of infamous mouths have
thus shipwrackt my lettars by casting them uppon the rock of
your discontent : so that I may say of you as the Poet Cerno
omnia te adversum spectantia nulla retrorsum ; unlesse your
lettars be put out to use, and soe like money I can heare of
it but once in half a yeare. But pardon mee (Deere Brother),
whose words arre as miserable as himselfe, and whose dis-
tracted thoughts have transformd him beyound himselfe.
Meethinks my prayers might soe much worke with you when
I writt unto you in such extreamity, but it seemes that you
arre as farre from hearing as giving an answere : as if the
many letters which I have writt unto you were more like a
Chaterackt to make you Deaft then any incitement to stirre
you upp unto compassion. I have heard say that you have
often wisht that I had my money in my one hands, in which
wish (though I thinke it not convenient in regard of my
distrustfullness of my sellf) yet in some [MS. torn] I sympo-
thize with you : in regard that I have beene putt to that
e[MS. torn] of misery for want in the untimely recipt of it.

102

1635] oxinden’s married life

Wherefore I desire you send mee word one way or other
what you will doe in it. If you knew my distresse you would
[MS. torn] bee angry in being thus urgent, when as my creditt
stands ingaged my [MS. torn] arre not soe provided. I pray
you to send me [MS. defaced] which I will bee accountable
unto you for, when we shall reckon together. Pray doe not
delay to send it mee with all expedition may bee, thus not
desiring to trouble you any longer, hearing I have troubled
you to much heeretofore, remembring my ever obliged ser-
visse [MS. tom] you, I rest

Your ever loving brother

James Oxinden

From St. John's Colleidg in Camb.

Aprill the 1st. 1635

[Sent my broth]er James 5 11 10 s Apr. 10: 1635.

LXXXIII

HENRY FALLOWFEILD to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f. 205]

[Henry Fallowfeild was admitted Westmoreland Fellow, April 9th,
1633. Baker’s History of St. John's College , Cambridge , says that
one of the charges brought against Dr. Lane, when there was a
dispute about his election to the Mastership in 1633-4, was his
“ ill-carriage of elections, in preferring some unworthy persons ”,
amongst them being “ Sir Fallowfeild.” x ]

Sir,

Yow may justly doubt both of my honesty and care,
being Tutor soe long to your brother and never yett account-
able to yow either by bill of his expences or by letter of his
carriage, it would much weaken and under value his discre-
tion if I should ; for the first I am only ingag’d to the Coll,
for his commons and sizing, of which I show him monthly a
bill ; for the bed-maker, landresse and the rest of that rable
I medle not at all ; for the second, he is now noe child, his

1 P. 624.

103

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1635

judgment mature and ripe and consequently not apt to be
seduc’t.

The monyes you last sent, after a more then Spanish
inquisition maide, was heard of so shatterdly and by peace-
meale payd him it did him litle or noe service. I gather by
the carryer yow could wish to see him ; if soe yow intends I
petition for him yow would furnish him with monyes
whereby decently he might apparrell himselfe. I hope the
petition will be granted because it soly and wholly aimes at
your brother’s credditt and the credditt of his kindred and
freinds : a Coll: goune will cover a multitude of falts which a
Country coate will discover to the eye of the world, he is
well enough cloathed for a poore scholler in St. Joh: Coll: but
short of a Kentish gentleman. He is indebted to me 2 1 7 s 3 d
of which my want of monyes, not feare of non-payment, bid
me remember yow ; for monyes to apparell him lie not
determine of the summe, but refere it and subscribe to your
judgment, interlac’t with Brotherly love. Vale.

Yours to love, respect, honour and serve you

Henry Fallowfeild

From my chamber in St. John's Coll. Aprill the 6 th 1635

LXXXIV

RICHARD OXINDEN to HENRY OXINDEN
[MS. 27,999, f* 208]

Lovinge Brother,

My servis remembred into you, hopinge that you ar
all in helth. I desire you to doe mee this curtysie, which I
will never forget, as to lend me 3 1 , which I have greate neede
of, or else I wolde not trouble you at this time ; if you will
bee soe diserting as to deny mee, I protest that I know not how
to goe over, 1 therfore as you tender my good and repetatyon
fayle mee not and I will repay it agayne so soone as God shall
inable me. I pray send mee an ansur of my letter by Sunday
1 That is, to join the army in the Low Countries.

IO4

1635] oxinden ’s married life

nite, for on Munday morninge god willinge I will goe to
Gravesende. I logge at the sine of Kweenes armes, close by
Dokter Rogears, thus desiringe you not to fayle mee, with
Tmy best Respackts remembred unto you
I rest

Your ever lovinge brother

Richard Oxinden

. From Canterbury this 20th of June

^35

Lent him this mony and sent it by Goodman Nethersole
of Barham that day, viz. June 20.

LXXXV

EDWARD PEYTON to MRS. ANNE OXINDEN
[MS. 27,999, f. 210]

[The name of “ Edward Payton, F.C. ( = Fellow Commoner) ”
appears in the Register of Wadham College, Oxford, in 1635 only.
The presumption is “ that he only resided for the year 1635-6 or
less, a not unusual occurrence in those days.”]

Most honoured Sister,

I am soe bold at this time as to present these rude lines
to your faire hands and to offer them up at the alter of your
clemency, knowing that you are filled with patience and
pardon, patience to read them, thereof most unworthy, and
pardon to forgive my former negligence. I confesse I have
written unto you once or twice, but what's that in comparison
of your desert, if I should doe nothing else but write unto you
I could not doe to much for you : I have (most loving Sister)
a long time expected a letter from you but I never received it,
which maketh mee to thinke that my letters are not accepted
of by you ; but I hope I shall heare from you the next returne
of the carrier if it were but two or three words. I should bee
two proud of them, comming from soe deare a Sister. To
bee shorte. I pray you to remember my kind love to my
Brother Oxinden : soe with my love to all the rest of our

105

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1635

friends, I rest, promising alwaies to remaine as I am at this
time

Your most affectionate Brother to commande

Edward Peyton

Wadd: Coll . the 27th of July

1 635

LXXXVI

SIR JAMES HALES to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f * 21 1]

[Sir James Hales was a son of Cheyney Hales and his wife Mary,
daughter of Sir Richard Hardres. He was the last of the well-
known family whose seat was the Manor House of the Dungeon in
Canterbury. He seems to have been a neighbour of Henry
Oxinden’s, and “ Lodge ” from which he writes was perhaps a
house on or near “ Lodgelees There is a much more distant
place of the same name, otherwise called “ West Park ”, in
Wrotham, the owners of which were unknown to Hasted after the
reign of Elizabeth. The Covert is a large wood on the south-
western outskirts of Barham which is still marked on the ordnance
map.]

Noble Sir,

I received a letter from you concerning [MS. faded]
servant Robert. I expect it somewhat [MS. faded] which
faylinge of I doubt [MS. faded] of his deserts, yett [MS.
faded] nothinge from you to the contrary I have ventured to
entertaine him, hopinge now you will doe mee the favour as
to certifye mee what you loiow or at least conceive off
him, which shalbe a sufficient warrant for mee to take or
leave.

Sir I am informed you have putt away your haukes and are
furnished with excellent Spaniells for the Covert ; yf you
please to lend mee some of them you shall not only pertake of
the sport when you please, and the quarrie, butt when you
are againe dysposed to keepe haukes, comande as many
doggs of myne, and this addition to your former curtesies, if

106

1635] oxinden’s married life

I bee not meanly ingratefull, must of necessitye more oblige
mee to remaine

Your trew freinde and servant

Ja: Hales

Lodge this present Sunday. Octob . 1635

Pray Sir present my servis to noble Sir Thomas Peyton
and your most vertuous bedfellow.

LXXXVII

SIR PETER HEYMAN to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f - 2I 3]

Sir,

I thanke you very kyndly for your spanyells, but one
of them being prowde and deafe I have sent back agayne, for
feare of loasing ; the others I shall make use of. And when
you shall have occasion to use them, or my man, hauke or
dogges, I shall be reddy to wayte on you with them all. I
pray remember my love unto your noble brother Sir Tho:
Peyton, and the rest of your good company : and thus reddy
to serve I shall remayne your disposeable servant and freind

Pet: Heyman

The i3.8 bns 1635

LXXXVII I

SIR THOMAS PEYTON to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f. 215]

Brother Oxinden,

Time past we enjoy not, the time to come we call nott
ours, the present is only that we can presumptuously say we
possesse. I am bound to retume a heape of thanks to you ;
for your readiness to apprehend any opportunity to compasse
my felicity shall cleyme posterity to observe you and pro-
pagate the memory of the engagement to eternity. Those

107

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1635

hopes of a large reversion you mention, by a Lady soe
accomplish^, are fyne and plausible and sound welle in the
eare but they fill not the hand at all. The tedious expecta-
tion of a happinesse is a kind of misery and weares out the
estimation of it sometimes ; and where you have labour’d
in the praise of that gentle beauty you speake of, ’twere
kindnesse to let her know to whom shee stands soe oblig’d,
that shee might testifie her owne goodnesse in giving you
deserved respect. I told you before, the present is only
ours, and though that Lady had a beautifull fortune in esse,
which you determine to bee only in posse, neither yet should
I expect some earneste to flatter mee a little that my lot may
thence promise a prize. Mee thinkes the Diamond showes
best when ’tis sett in gold and a comely face looks sweeter
when it stands by the king’s picture, by whose secrett power
the estimation is advanc’t, and whensoever I happen to make
my choyce I shall looke more then upon one face. Neces-
sity urges mee to require [MS. faded] quick dealing and to
observe that princely rule somewhat stricter then I would, to
marry for the good of the state. And besides t’is generally
seene that man beginneth soe to undirstond himselfe and looke
into his owne worth, that the other weaker vessell, woman, had
nede now have some good addition to sett her of and make
her estimable in his eye, before hee will reste on her, because
of the generall depravity of that sexe. Butt I trench too
deepe ! Shortly you shall heare from mee concerning the
principall point I have taken upon mee to discharge : some
way or other I will accomplish my worde. Till then I rest
(neither can say more), expecting to heare from your deare
wife

Your loving Brother

holy lombe , Aldersgate Street
9 ber 5 * 1635

Tho: Peyton

Remember ad infinitum my reall respects to Mrs. Oxinden,
whom I am so transcendency bound in all respective affaires
to observe.

108

1635 ] oxinden’s married life

LXXXIX

JAMES OXINDEN to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f * 217]

Lovinge Brother

The largenes of your bounty and favours which know
noe bounds cannot bee contained in soe small a Volume, which
envious Time cannot furnish mee with oportunity to expresse
or poore Arethmatick lend mee figures to number them ; the
greatest service which poverty will bestow uppon mee is a
gratefull acknowledgment of them, which like a maze doth
more winde mee into your favours. I confess that it is noe
lesse greife to mee to trouble you then you can conceive in my
thus being troublesome unto you, and if that my lines bee not
welcome unto you, blame not mee but my urgent occasions
and your promise, which make my presumption the greater,
of your favorable acceptation of these beggerly lines, which
if they bee not supported with the staffe of your favorable
constructions, they arre not able to subsist. Sed canem ut
caedas facile est invenire bacillum ; never was suspitiori soe
curteously entertain’d as nowadayes, but I hope you keepe noe
hospitalitie for such guests : whose roome I thinke is more
welkcome then there company. But not to trouble you with
many words, my necessity would desire you to send mee by
this bearer the summe of 12 11 which if it bee not suddenly
procur’d for mee it will bee the losse of my degree, by reason
that wee have a Bridg making and a paire of Organs which
wee commensors must pay for and the smalnesse of our com-
pany will cause a greater sum of money to be paid ; but lest I
forgett myselfe, desiring you not to fade me, remembring my
Duty to my Mother, my servise and respect to your selfe and
your beloved Bedfellow I rest

Your ever Loving Brother

James Oxinden

From St. John's in Camb:

December 1st. 1635

109

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [163 5
XC

SIR JAMES OXINDEN to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f - 2 ° 7 ]

Nephew Oxinden,

I have sent you the garner that planted my pease, who
I know can performe your busines well enough if you can
agree upon tearmes to your minde. They are all for them-
selves, therefore you cannot be to strict upon condicions if he
will accept of them. So commendinge my best respects to
you, my sister and my good neice, I rest

Your affectionate uncle

ij Janu. 1635 James Oxinden

XCI

HENRY OXINDEN OF DEANE to HENRY OF BARHAM

[MS. 27,999, f. 221]

[Henry of Deane married first Mary, only daughter and heiress of
Robert Baker of St. Martin-in-the-Fields. Their only child,
Mary, died as an infant. Administration of Mary Oxinden ’s
estate was granted to her husband on Dec. 30th, 1638. 1 Nothing
else is known of the marriage, to which this letter evidently refers.]

Honord Cozen,

I think you cannot butt expect, according to my
obligation, a relation of my proceedings, which have hitherto
bee very faire ; rest nothing save conference of parents and
there agreement ; pray bee secret. I would have enlarg’d
myselfe more but time permits not. Pray be favorable to
the hares that att my return I may share with you in their
confusion. My Sister Dallison remembers her best re-
spects to you, so doth

Your affectionate cozen and obliged servant

Henry Oxinden

From the black Swan

in the Strand neere Arundell house

against the Halbut , the 17th of Feb. 1635

1 P.R.C. Administration Act Bk. t 1636-1638, p. 240.

IIO

1635] oxinden’s married life

XCII

SIR JAMES OXINDEN to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f. 223]

Good Nephewe,

I have sent you my cotch this night, because I would
have you take your owne time to goe tomorrowe morninge,
which I did conceyve could not be so conveniently done if it
should not have come to you untill the morninge : — especi-
ally the weather beinge so variable as it of late hath bin.
Tomorrow morninge I have appoynted Wm. Dane, the
garner, to come to me about agreeinge with him, if I can, for
the plantinge of your ground at Lodgleese with pease.

I doubt by his discourse I shall not bringe him to plant
your Land upon so good tearmes as I did myne owne, in two
respects, the one for that he will not beleive that your land is
so good as mine was, and the 2d because it is farther from him
and more out of his way, but assure yourselfe of this, that I
wille do my uttmost endeavour to bringe him up to the best
condicions I can. Pray commend my best respects to my
sister, my good neice and yourselfe, that am

Your very affectionate uncle

James Oxinden

21 Febr . 1635

My wife shall tell you how the busines goes with Dane,
for I intend god willinge very early on tuesday morninge to
goe for London, but I shall not stay there above a weeke,
my daughter Dalison being not very well.

XCIII

SAME tO SAME

[MS. 27,999, f. 224]

Good Nephewe,

You shall finde me very carefull for my neece Kather-
ine’s good ; if he 1 shall come hither I shall tell him that a
1 Katherine’s suitor, Thomas Barrow of Cheapside,

III

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1635

busines of this nature is first to be treate of by frends, and
that if his father will give way to it, he shalbe welcome to me,
and by that I shall finde weather the younge man deales
really, which as occasion serves I will not faile to acquaynt
you and my sister. Doubt not but my wife and I will so
handle the matter that I hope your sister shall receyve noe
preiudice heere, for before I speake with his father I will
beleive nothinge, nor suffer any communicacion betweene
them. So in hast, with my best respects to you both
I rest

14 March. 1635

Your loving uncle

James Oxinden

XCIV

ROBERT BARGRAVE to MRS. ANNE OXINDEN
[MS. 27,999, 266]

[Robert Bargrave, son of John Bargrave (or Bargar) the builder
of Bifrons in Patrixbourne, and nephew to Dr. Isaac Bargrave,
Dean of Canterbury 1625 t0 *642, was married in the Cathedral in
1635 to Elizabeth Peyton, Mrs. Anne Oxinden ’s sister. Robert
and his wife are buried, with his father and mother, in the South
Chapel of Patrixbourne Church, and an epitaph tells their fate :
Bello civili ex partibus regiis ) .

Stetit et cecidit familia J men
and how in 1673 :

Johan Hasres a ruinis
In ruinas lapidem posuit 1

Robert’s letter is undated, but it seems likely to refer to his first
child.]

Honored Sister,

Wee hartiely thanke you for your kindenes to our boye
in helping us to a nurse for him, but hee is growne so weake
and froward that our Doctor advised us not to weane him
till hee bee a little stronger. If you could prevaile with that

1 Arch. Cant., xiv. p. 174.

1 12

1635] oxinden’s married life

woman to bee with us then for a moneth or two you maye doe
us a greate Curtesie, for your commendacions of her doth
make us much desier her, which shall bee with what speede
may bee. Thus with all our love and services I ever rest
Your faithful brother to serve you

Robt. Bargrave

Byfrons this present Satterdaye

xcv

JAMES OXINDEN to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f. 226]

Dearest Brother,

I am verry sorry that I cannot soe much recover my
strength as to give you thanks for your most loving letter. I
am though feebly, thanks bee to God, somewhat [recovered]
from the poison of sickness, which though I am I cannot say
freed from, yet so much as to write unto you, which I never
though [t] to have had that happines. You write unto mee to
certifie you whether I bee Master of Arts or noe, which I was
not at the receit of your letter, being then not the Time of our
commensement, but now, Thanks bee to God, I have obtained
it. Good Brother, send mee word if the least preferment
may bee had, for I am not able nor willing, considring my
greate Sicknes, to remaine heere. I would (as the Proverb
sayth) play at small game wrather then give out, and my
sicknes hath soe disinabled mee that I feare to live in this
infectious ayre. You write to mee to send you a note of the
receite of monyes, but the extraordinary resistance of my
occasions and the greeviousness of my sicknes detaines mee
from it. I must (Brother) desire you uppon all love to send
mee by the bearer the sum of io 11 , which I have impulsive
necessity to use. I must buy mee a Master of Arts Gowne
and a sute, beesides I am indebted for my commensement
and my sicknes. Let not (I pray you) my not forceable
writing unto you make you weake in sending to me, for I

H 113

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1636

protest I have had soe much bloud taken from mee that I am
scarse able to write at all. In the meane time (Good Brother)
if you either respect mee or my credit help mee at this time.
Thus desiring you to remember mee to your loving bedfellow,
hoping you are all in health I rest

Yours if his owne

From Comb . 3 d of Aprill
1636.

James Oxinden

XCVI

Draft Reply from henry oxinden
[MS. 27,999, 22 l\

You may if you please, after the returne of the Carrier
hither againe, come and bee with mee a month or six weekes
till your body is in better state of health. It is true I doe not
desire any more company in my house then my wife, children
and servants, yet to doe you a curtesy I shall bee willing of
your company during the time aforesaid. I know you are
none of them that when they have once gotten into a friend’s
house continue there without shame or modestie longer then
they are Wellcome, and in conclusion goe away enemies when
they came friends, and I know by this time you have learnt
there is a difference betweene Meum and Tuum, not only
amongst strangers but amongst friends and Brothers, and
that they are men of a senseles disposition that thinke [that] is
done toward them out of love is done out of duty. I doubt
not that you thinke, if not know, that I have alwaies had a
regard unto your wellfare, and if you call them to mind,
evident proofes thereof to my ability, and doubt you not but
my love and care of you is not extinguished but shall allwayes
continue, till such time as you shall give the first occasion,
either by too too apparent ill husbandry or disrespect of mee
and then ne te qusesiveris extra. Hercules sum non CEdipus.

I hope brother when you come unto the countrey I shall see

1 14

1636] oxin den’s married life

you like another Noe, a preacher of righteousnes both in your
words and actions, and you will thereby not only preserve
your soule and body in good health but bee an infinit ioy to
your frends and now especially

Your ever loving Brother

H. O.

Good Brother if you will not send mee word what monies
you have received of mee, yet set them doune in your booke,
that you doe not forget them and soe an aspertion bee layd
uppon mee.

XCYII

HENRY JOHNSON to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f. 229]

Good Cossen,

Let me intreat this courtesie of you as to speake to
your brother Sir Thomas Payten aboute a house he hathe in
Sanwhiche, the name of it the dolphine. I have one that
maried my sister hathe a great desire to have it of your
brother, if his teanante leave it that is now in it. Sir, I shall
thinke myselfe muche boun to you for to mouefe [move] it
to hime that [if] it be twoe be let that he might have the
forsakinge 1 of it, he is owne that is fittinge for the place, and
one that is able to deale with it, for his rent he shall have
good securietye for it. If it please you to doe me that
Courtysie you shall finde me thankfull and readye to doe
you anye that lyes in my power ; this with my sarves to you
and my good Cossen your wiffe I leave you and rest

Your assured lovinge kynsman and trew freinde

Hen: Johnson

Nether court this 25 of
October 1636

1 The refusal.

JI 5

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1636

XCVIII (J Draft] )

HENRY OXINDEN to HENRY OF DEANE

[MS. 27,999, f. 235]

Beloved Friend,

Pray deliver this incloased letter to Mr. Edwin
Sandys and desire your father from mee to send mee my
2 bookes of the Sabbath, for I desire to read them before they
bee as much out of request as the Sabbath it self now is. Soe
with my best respects to your best beloved, the like to Sir
James, the Lady Oxinden, my cozin Dalison, my cozin
Richard Masters and his Lady, my Cozin Jane and my
studious cozin, I rest now as ever

Tui amantissimus

Hen: Oxinden

Jan . 8. 1636

I would have certified you that my begles did run downe a
hare one Saturday, but that I would not have you think it
any newes for them to do so.

XCIX

HENRY OXINDEN to THOMAS BARROW

[MS. 27,999, f. 235 V.]

[Thomas Barrow had recently married Katherine Oxinden, after
the courtship described in Letter XCIII.]

Jan . 29. 1636.

Good Brother,

This is to certify you that wee are all in good health
(thanks bee to god therefore) and that my mother hath
received the stuffe you sent her and doth- like verie well of it ;
and that by much persuasion shee hath beene induced to bee
with my wife till shee goes to london ; I have not sent you
the monies I ow you, but you shall loose nothing by ther
forbearance, to the utmost farthing, and when you must have
it I will provide it for you. Pray send me downe for my

116

1636] oxinden’s married life

mother and my wife 22 els of strong holland at 3 s the ell
price ; and by [buy] my wife 2 plaine Cambricke Geugeots of
the newest fashion. My wife sayeth your saddle cloath is
here and she will send it you up when you will have it sent
up. Your mare is somewhat amended. Wee are all glad
to heare that you and my Sister are in good health but sorrie
to heare that the sicknes increaseth. Soe with all our loves
unto you and prayers for your health and happines, I rest now
as ever

Your affectionatly loving brother to commande

Henry Oxinden

C

MRS. KATHERINE OXINDEN to THOMAS BARROW
( Incomplete )

[MS. 27,999, f- I02 l
SONN B.,

I reseued your letter and the hallan [holland] and did
speake to Addam Gull [Jull] about your mare, hee dooth say
hee will carri her up. I also did speake to my sonn aboute
Addam [Oxinden], and hee dooth say hee will geive but fifty
pounes, too new sutes an a kloke ; pray tell your parten
[partner] so much, for it may bee [he] will take it unkinely if
time of anser be defered. I doo say this becase my Dafter Bar-
row did speake unto hem for Addam, an hee may say if hee had
konne [known] so much hee wold have hired another be fore
this time. Sonn I am sorry that theare is shuch unlooke for
dissagreing be tune you an my sonn, but i gess it tis a mistake
that has cassed it, for Surr James an my lady doth both say, an
so dooth my sonn, that shee should be worth fifty pounes unto
you with that hee made her an that she had before, and so i
am sure she was. i confes i did see som discontent in you
before your going to London, but i cold not know the case,
nether did i thinke of ani shuch thing. But that it had bin
my going to London with you had cassed som sodden dis-
content in you, becase of the coldnes of the wether, which

117

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1636

you might thinke mith have bin dangerrus for me, and so i
thoght myselfe, which consciet made me alter my mind ; but
i see i was in the wrong, an shold never have thoght the
right case [cause], it was so far from mee, be case i did know
of no shuch agreement but what i said to my Brother
Oxsinden, that i wold provide what i did see good, and hee
did say that that wich she shold have an had alreddi wold be
worth fifty pounes or rather more than les ; i tolde my lady
all thinges that i wold make her and shee said they wold bee
veri well, but i see they ar not so well liked as shee and i
thoght they wold have bin, but it shale make me more warri
to deale in ani bessines, for it may be thoght that my Sonn
an my selfe did consent together to deseive you, but for
myselfe I will swere I had rather not be worth a grote then
to inrich myselfe be anni shuch ly or such menes, an i make
no dought but my sonn is of that mind, for goodes so gotten
will but make one poorer ; you sayed you had a letter from
my sonn stoffed with mani unkineses an unBrotherly wordes ;
i asked him of it for i did . . .

Cl (Draft)

HENRY OXINDEN to JAMES OXINDEN
[MS. 27,999, f. 235V.]

To my Brother Ja. Oxinden,

I r[eceive]d on letter from you bearing date Feb. 19,
1637, it should bee 36, wherein you wrot to mee for 5 1 . I
r[eceive]d another letter from you dated Feb. 27, 1637, it
should bee 36, for wee write not 37 till the 27 of March ; but
let that passe. You say in your first letter that you have
r[eceive]d in all since your departure from mee the summe of
fourty 8 1 ; now I thought good to satissfie you at what times
I have sent you monies and by whom. Imprimis

1 .

I sent you by Francis Stephan Decemb. 1 1 800

Sent you by Francis Stephan Jan. 21

118

12 o o

1636] oxinden’s married life

Sent you by Francis Stephan
Sent you by Shepheard
Sent by Shepheard
Sent by Francis Stephan
Sent you by Francis Stephan
Sent you by Francis Stephan
Sent you by Francis Stephan

l.

Feb. 26, 1635 6 o

March 26, 1635 5 o

Aprill 14, 1636 7 0

May 23 50

June 25, 1636 10 o

July the 27, 1636 15 o

November 14, 1636 20 o

o

o

0

o

o

0

o

which if you cast up amounteth to a far greater somme then
you speake of, and that I sent you these monies I have your
owne hand writing to show and your letters in which you sent
for these monies. Now I infinitly admire how you take noe
more notice of what you send for and receive, insomuch as it
maketh mee doubt the worst, and it maketh mee have little
heart to send up monies still at your demands, when you for-
get what you have received. Concerning that great summe
of monie you sent to mee for in your last letter, viz. 20 1 , I
cannot soe [suddenly] procure it ; they of whom I use to
borrow monies being quite out of mony, soe as I know not
without great trouble how to get it ; wherfore as you have
acknowledged a great deale of love to mee, doe mee the kind-
nes to recall that monies you have put out and save mee of the
inconvenience, thus not doubting of you granting mee my
request, it being one of the first that ever I requested of you,
I rest

Your truly loving brother

Henrie Oxinden

March $th. 1636

I desire to have a quarter’s warning beefore I pay in the
monies I ow you. Gutta cavat lapidem non vi sed saepe
cadendo.

119

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1636

CII

MRS. MARY PROUD to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f. IOl]

Neve Oxinden,

I being welleng to fullfell all your desires to perswaid
your brothar Rechard Oxienden to go oufer, becaus hee should
not be trubbelsom to you nor my sester, but past my word to
my Cosson Pettet for 5 pounds to send hem oufer and let
hem be weth me when hee plesed, and for all my good well I
find hee dus not euse me like a Gentelman and well not pai
my cosson pettet, all thought hee sais hee had the monny : but
I ded not thenke I should haufe ben so unkindly delt weth
all by hem, nor you, for you wret to my Cosson Pettet to let
hem haufe such monnys as hee ded want and you wret to me
to get hem oufar so sone as I cold, be fore his monny was
spent, which I ded : it well make me haufe care heareaftar
how I do cortesis for my frends, for what I ded was for good
well, it may be ther may some haufe a casion heare aftar, but
I haufe cond my leson. I heare you haufe yet som monnys
of hes in your hands and that hee hath sent for it ; if you well
please to send that monny to my Cosson Pettet hee can pai
hemselfe : for my on part if my Cosson Petet demand his
monny of me I will put it over to my landelord ho sweares hee
well a rest hem for it, for hes ell eueseng [using] of hem, and
when hee is in preson and all hes monny spent hes frends well
wesh it had ben paid. I do not care for 5 pounds had it ben to
do hem good but to be cheted in thes mannar I well not if heare
be right in London. I prai god bles hem and geufe hem gras
to take som onnest cores that hee be no shame to hes frends :
when hes monny is spent you should do well to kep some of
hes monny in your hand for when hee comes to want I know
no frend hee has to fly to but to you. my loufe to my Nese
weth my best respect to yourselfe, I desir your kind ansar.
Good nevey do me so much fauor as when you ar at lesur to
veufe [view] my woods at wolleg and send me word what you
thenke they ar worth a nakar ; if you well do me thes favor I

120

1636] ox in den’s married life

well be redy to do the like cortesey for you and yours ; and to
help me to a Chapman for them, for I purpos to cut som down
the wenttar and you dewelleng so ny may do me a gret
favor.

[1636]

To my loving Nevey Master Hendry Oxienden at his
house in Wolleg parres [parish] thes

cm

HENRY OXINDEN to MRS. KATHERINE OXINDEN
[MS. 27,999, f. 298]

[The Swan family, here introduced in the person of the younger
son, John Swan, were for a few years neighbours of Henry Oxin-
den at Denton Court across Denton Street from Maydekin. Sir
Francis Swan of Wye, father of Edward and John Swan, bought
the Denton estate from Roger Twisden of Chelmington. Sir
Francis was knighted at Theobalds, March 8, 1608 ; he married
Dorothy, da. of Sir Edward Boys of Fredville. Edward Swan,
his heir, sold Denton in 1638 to Sir Anthony Percival and removed
with his family to Fredville (Fredfield) (c/. Letter CXXVIII),
when his daughters were sent to school. John Swan (1609-1644)
succeeded Dr. Rogers as Rector of Denton in 1638. He may,
however at an earlier date have been acting as curate, while the
Doctor served his benefice of St. Margaret’s, Canterbury, and for
this reason have hired from Henry Oxinden the house still stand-
ing known as Little Maydekin, where Mrs. Katherine Oxinden
usually resided. Mrs. John Swan was a daughter of Simon
Aldrich, and grand -daughter of Dr. Francis Aldrich, Principal of
Sidney Coll., Cambridge (d. 1603), whose monument is in St.
Margaret’s, Canterbury.]

Loving and Kind Mother,

Mr. Swan informed mee that you had a verie good
iourney to London, for which I am verie glad. I hope you
are in good health there, as my Wife and children are at this
present. I for my part am troubled with a cold which doth
take away my speech. I have lett Mr. John Swan have your
house untill St. Michael!. I received a letter last weeke from
my Aunt Proud about the 5 11 shee borrowed of my Cozin

121

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1636

Valentine Pettitt for my brother Richard ; shee would have
mee pay itt, though there bee noe reason for itt ; the truth is
shee ought to pay my cozin Pettitt, and my brother Richard
her. When I paid my brother Richard his portion, hee
promised mee to discharge that debt. Mr. Palmer of How-
leech hath buried his wife. I desire to have my love re-
membred to my brother and sister Barrow and my sister
Elizabeth and to Mr. Streatehay, etc., and so I rest
Your dutifull sonne to command

Henri Oxinden of Barham

My wife remembreth her dutie to you. Wee have sent
you a Pie.

Jan: 15. 1636

CIV

MRS. KATHERINE OXINDEN to HER SON HENRY

[MS. 27,999, f. 277]

Son,

i rescived your letter and kinely thanke you and my
Dafter for your Pie. i did not know M s a Swan was gon
doune i had though [t] to have sent a letter by him. i did
marvel i did not heare from you before, at last i gessed you
weare not com home from keepeing your Crismus i am sorri
you have shuch a greate cold i have binn veri ill with a coffe
sence which is not yet gon i had a lamenes in my wrist which
cassed a great paine in my haun that i cold not doo ani thinke
with it pray send to the widdow fakele [Falkner] for my rent
an if Sir Tommis Payten com up this tearme intreate him to
bring it up James is not yet gon out of London what his
case [cause] of stay is i know not heare is a great dele of nues
but i am not at this time well a noufe to relate it unto you.
My Cossen esday has a nague. My son Barrow an his wife,
with your sister Bess, rememberes theare loves to you an
theare Sister, thus in hast i rest

Your loveing mother

Januari 14 1636 Kathrin Oxinden

122

1636] oxinden’s married life

cv

HENRY OXINDEN to VALENTINE PETTIT

[MS. 27,999, f. 236V.]

Cozin Pettit,

1 As concerning the mony my Aunt Proud borrowed

of you for my Brother Richard I wonder that shee hath not re-
paid you, there is noe reason but that shee shuld pay such
monies as shee borroweth for whomsoever they bee. And
I have noe reason to pay monyes to her, for shee allwaies
sided with my brother Richard ag[ains]t mee ; insomuch as
I take it very ill of her, thinking I might deserve as well as hee;
when I paid him his portion hee told mee hee would pay that
monies, as allsoe 2 1 which, as I take it, Sir James Oxinden
borrowed of you for him : yet for all that I was asked to pay
it my selfe ; but I am not so far obliged to my Ant Proud,
and therefore pray [receive] it of her, for it is her debt to you,
and my brother Richard, it seems, is to pay her. Let mee
intreate you, good cozin, to lay the saddle upon the right
horse, and not suffer mee to beare noe greater load, groaning
under that I allready beare. My Cozin Paul tells mee hee
hath sent you the monies . I am sorrie my Cozin your wife is
soe ill, to whom I desire my best respects to bee remembered
and to yourself and rest

Your loving kinsman

H. O.

[March 20, 1636]

My Brother Richard is in London and hath sent for 50 1
the interest of a 150 1 ; soe that hee hath remaining 100 1 .

1 Sixteen lines dealing with financial matters here omitted.

123

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1637
CVI

HENRY OXINDEN to HIS SON’S SCHOOLMASTER

[MS. 27,999, f - 2 37 ]

Worthy Sir,

You requested to borrow my little neg and your re-
quest shalbe an absolute command to him whom you shall
alwayes find devoted to love honour and serve you and is
semper idem to his freinds though mutatus ab illo Henri
Oxinden

Parcus Deorum cultor et infrequens
Insanientis dum sapientiae
Consultus erro nunc retrorsum
Vela dare atque iterare cursus
Cogor relictos.

CVII (Draft)

HENRY OXINDEN to MR. RICHARDSON

[MS. 27,999, f. 242]

[Whittingham Fogge was son of Captain Richard Fogge, R.N.,
called “ of Barham/’ who died August 15th, 1681, set 81, and
is buried at Bekesbourne, and grandson of Ezechias Fogge, Vicar
of Chilham.

The Captain’s epitaph says that he “ faithfully sarved King
Charles y e first as Captaine of several of his men of ware at sea ;
afterwards he retired himself to a private life in this Parish ”,
One of the ships in his command was H .M .S . James . It must have
been during his sea-going days that Captain Richard made a home
at South Barham and built his pew.

Shelving, also referred to in this letter, is a manor and borough
at the east end of Barham parish. The Oxinden (Dean and
Chapter) papers, Nos. 54, 55 and 67, show that Stephen Hobday
of Hougham bought Shelving House and 185 acres in 1616 from
William Collyns of Wye. The Carlell family (“ Mr. Carly ”)
had owned a farmhouse at Shelving since the last reign : Hobday
according to Letter CVII purchased their property to add to his
own. This account differs from Hasted’s but is supported by
documents.

124

1637] oxinden’s married life

“ Lady Maidstone ”, Elizabeth, only daughter and heir of
Sir Thomas Heneage and wife of Sir Moyle Finch of Eastwell
was created Viscountess Maidstone in 1623 and Countess of
Winchilsea in 1629, in her own right. The patent explains that
her husband would have been “ more highly dignified had not
death prevented it ”, and that she herself was “ a lady of excellent
endowments ”. 1 ]

Worthy Friend,

Ther were 4 seates in Barham confirmed to my father
and Mr. Fog and there heires, as may appeare by their writing
I have sent unto you, dated 1 623 . My desire is that you would
wel peruse the writing : Mr. Fog then dwelt in a house at
South Barham, which house was then, and is now Mr. Whit-
tingha[m’s], woods the Lady Maidstone. I conceive, and
my father soe told me when hee was living, that when Mr.
Fog and his heires were gon from thence (as they now are)
that then the seates would soly belong to him and his heires.
These seates one Goodman Hobdy chalengeth as belonging
to him ; saying that Mr. Carly, of whom hee bought the house
at Shelving where hee now liveth, built the 2 bigest of them :
the sayd Hobdy being now churchwarden, by his procure-
ment hath altered the 2 lowest seates into one, I not being
made acquainted with it ; and the mother-in-law of the said
Hobdy, by name goodwife Nethersole, doth now chalenge
that seate as hers, and last Sundy denyed my servants to come
into it, it seems as being appointed by her sone-in-law the
Churchwarden now. I desire you first to certify mee
whether I have received in writing any firme right to these
[four seats] 2 myselfe, now Mr. Fog is gon ; or whether
[Mr. Wood] 2 who is owner of the house where Mr. Fog
[lived hath] 2 any ioyntly with mee, or whether both of [us
have] 2 one, or whether Hobdy have all, and can thus [claim
the] 2 lowermost seates and place in whom hee listeth. If by
this writing (or by mony or friendes) I can get them totally
and soly belong to mee, I am resolved to hold the[m] or get
them to my selfe. If Mr. Wood can chalenge my right with

1 Hasted lii. p. 199. 2 MS. torn : missing words conjecturally supplied.

125

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1637

mee (I hope hee can not now) then the best way wilbe to make
him a iust party against [mee], for Hobdy having offered mee
this affront I desire to have him (if it may possibly bee)
remooved. If I cannot get nor keepe all the 4 pewes to my
selfe by noe meanes, then if I can get but the one halfe of
them to myselfe in p[ar]ticular I shall bee the better con-
tented, soe as I may have the[m] to my self, for I would new
build them, being old [and] ill favoured and not fitting for a
gent to sett in. You aie to conceive that Mr. Wood had only
a lease of that house, and soe could not bee heire to Mr. Fog.
I beleive Hobdy will doe what hee can in the busines this
court and therfore pray bee vigilant. I doubt because Mr.
Walner 1 is not my praetor hee will bee no friend of mine in
the busines. It is alleidged that it is not fit for married
women to set out of seates when mayds may set in, and that
Sir Basil Dixwell hath taken some of the seates to his use and
there is roome wanting. I conceive there is roome enough
or may bee enough, without having myne. In short ; you see
what I can show for my right and my resolution. I desire
your advise and care, and rest

Your assured loving friend

Henry Oxinden

Confirme the Act by Sir Nathaniel — Dr. Rogers.

[j probable date 1637]

CVIII

SIR JAMES OXINDEN to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f. 259]

Good Nephewe,

Comming downe from London in the coatch with
Mr. Richardson, 2 amonge other discourse we fell in talke of
your pewes in Denton, hee saying that he thought it conven-

1 Probably John Warner, Curate of Barham and Rector of Bishops-
bourne.

2 The family lawyer in Canterbury.

126

1637] oxinden’s married life

ient I should write to Sir Natha: Brent ; which I am resolved
to do if you approve of it, but beinge your busines I thought
it unfitt to stirr untill I had acquaynted you therewith, so that
if it please you to come over to me tomorrowe you shall see
my letter.

Pray come to dinner, when I beleive you shall meete the
leiutenant of Dover Castle, 1 when you may begin your
acquayntance with him. So in hast I rest

Your affectionate uncle

James Oxinden

zdjune . 1637

Pray commend my service to my sister and my neice.

CIX

SIR NATHANIEL BRENT to SIR JAMES OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f* 261]

[Nathaniel Brent (c. 1573-1652) became Warden of Merton
College, Oxford, in 1622 in succession to Sir Henry Savile.
When already Warden he was appointed Commissary of the Dio-
cese of Canterbury and Vicar General to Archbishop Laud, and
on Sir Henry Marten’s death, a Judge of the Prerogative Court.
In 1629-30 he was admitted to the freedom of Canterbury honoris
causa . The facts of his interesting career may for the rest be read
in the Dictionary of National Biography. “ Mr. Dean of Canter-
bury ” at this date was Isaac Bargrave who held the office,
1625-1642.]

Sir,

Your request concerning a pew for your nephew is so
reasonable that I should be iniurious both to yourself and to
my worthy frend Mr. Dean of Canterb: who, as it seems, hath
begun the businesse, if I should deny it. Onely I desire you
not to expect a facultie under seal until my coming to Can-
terb: which shal be (God willing) about Michaelmas ; or
perhaps before. I will then see such clauses put into it as
the law requireth, the instrument being legall[y made] may

1 Sir John Manwood. "

127

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1637

be the more permanent. The releasing of the Visitation wil
make no difference, because this businesse is (by our Law)
accounted inter ardua with which the Archdecon can not
meddle, and because I have at al times concurrence of iuris-
diction with him, and because it was begun in the visitation
and so must be ended by the same autoritie. It shal be don
in the best manner in respect of al circumstances. And so
with my very loving salutations I bid you hartely farewell
Your very faithful frend and servant

Na: Brent

Oxford Aug. 7. 1637

CX (Draft)

HENRY OXINDEN to MRS. KATHERINE OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f. 238V.]

Loving Mother,

I have sent your bed and bedding uppon Monday,
being the 9th of October, to Barham mell, Adam Jull having
not delivered them. I enquired of him of the mayd ; hee
told mee that shee came about an houre after you were gon
and that her father offered 5s for a horse at Canterbury for
her to overtake you, this is all I can certify you concerning
this busines etc. etc.

[1637]

CXI (Draft)

SAME to SAME

Loving Mother,

I understand by my Brother Barrow’s letter that you
are in good health, God be praysed therfore, and that you
have referred the business concerning the paying of Shepheard
for bringing up the mayd to towne unto mee ; for my part I
thinke it reason that the mayd or her father shall pay for her
ioumy to London, seing shee came not in due time, for wee

128

1637] oxinden’ s married life

payd for roome in the coach for her and therefore by my con-
sent shee shall not be allowed one farthing towards her iourny .
I understand likewise by my brother Barrow that my brother
Adam is well placed and I am heartily glad thereof. If it
had not beene a rayny night I had sent you up some rabots,
however I will doe it at the first oportunitie. My wife re-
membreth service unto you and her love to my brothers and
sisters, and soe doth he who is your dutifull sonne ever to
command.

Henry Oxinden of Oxinden (sic)

Oct. 17. 1637

CXII (Draft)

HENRY OXINDEN to THOMAS BARROW

[MS. 27,999, f - 2 3 8v -]

Good Brother,

I understand that by your letter for which I am to
reiterate gratefulnes unto you, namely for placing my Brother
Adam soe well. 1 Soe with our loves unto you and my sister
your Bedfellow, I rest

Your truly loving brother at command

Hen. Oxinden

[Oct. 17. 1637]

CXIII

HENRY OXINDEN to MRS. ANNE OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f- 2 68]

Sweete Love,

Having a convenient messenger I could not let slip
the opportunity of sending you word of my health, knowing
that you wilbe joyfull at the hearing thereof. I hope you
and my children are all in good health likewise. Pray have
a speciall care that my sister Kent want nothing during her

1

1 Passage omitted about Adam Jull’s debts.
129

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1637

aboade with you . Pray send me up as soone as you can a couple
of rabots and a brace of partridges and all the gilt plate and the
old silver tankard for I meane to change it for you. I desire
you to speake to Cooper to get some monie of Lee for mee
and send it mee up for I shall want some. Pray send mee
up a sample of my fatte pease and certifie mee what they
would give for them at Feversham and let the barly in Jones
his barne bee threshed out and sold at the best rate where-
soever it be carried. I doubt not but you will have a care of
all my thinges at home. I intend to send you some linen
verie speedily by Shepheard. Speake to Cooper and John
to have a speciall care of my conies that they bee not stole and
to order all my busines to the best advantage. Remember
mee to my sister Kent and master Swan and goodman Cul-
ling ; if you send up your old gold I will change it for such
thinges as shall be more to your liking. My mother, my
brother Barrow and sisters remember themselves to you and
my sister Kent. In hast I rest

Your ever truly loving husband

till death us part

H. OXINDEN

Novemb. 12.

1637

Here is noe newes, save that I was at Court uppon Sunday
last. Your Brother Sir Thomas Peyton and Mr. James Kent 1
are in good health.

CXIV

MRS. ANNE OXINDEN to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f - 281]

Deare Hartt,

I never was more joyfull of any thinge then I was of
your Letter in which I heard of youre health, which I much
dowted of by reson of youre silence so long, but I hope it
1 Her brother-in-law.

130

ANNE PEYTON, FIRST WIFE OF HENRY OXINDEN OF BARHAM,
From a portrait by Cornells Janssen in the possession of Leggatt Brothers.
Photographer, Donald Macbeth, 17, Fleet St , London.

1637] oxinden’ s married life

was forgettfullness and no neglectt of mee : therefore I shall
the soner pardone it, and shall expect youre company on
thursday, but I thinke you will not com till my [cozin] Henry
Oxinden comse, which I hope will on Satturday without fayle.
I have sent you horses and I spacke to Cooper about mony, he
ses he has brought you all : for my part I am a stranger to his
dooings. I sent you a sample of your peese with the last
letter. Iff the time would have given mee leave I showld
have bine more trublesome, so in hast I rest

Youre truly loving and faithful wife

Anne Oxinden

Pray by mee a morning peake which will cost 5s. and for-
geat not a fumitur for my horse.

CXV

HENRY OXINDEN to MRS. KATHERINE OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f. 272]

[Dr. Edmund Randolph must have ridden or driven over from
Canterbury, where he was a well-known medical practitioner, to
pay his professional visits to Mrs. Anne Oxinden. He was a
Kentish man, fifth son of Bernard Randolph of Biddenden, a
graduate of University College, Oxford, and an M.D. of Padua in
1626. He married in 1628 Deborah, fourth daughter of Giles
Master of Woodchurch and Canterbury. Of his large family of
ten sons and five daughters, two sons have a niche in national
biography : one of them, Bernard, published two valuable books,
The Present State of the Morea , 1686, and a companion volume,
The Present State of the Islands of the Archipelago , 1687, for which
he gathered material on his business journeys in the Levant. Dr.
Edmund died in 1649 and was buried in St. Andrew’s Church,
Canterbury.]

Loving and Kind Mother,

I hope you are in good health as I am at this present.
My wife is verie ill of an extreame cold shee caught going in a
frosty and snowy day to my sister Kent’s. 1 Dr. Randolfe
went from her but now. I sent you 5 11 by Sir Thomas Peyton

1 That is to Chartham.

U 1

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1637

and io 11 for my brother Barrow which I borrowed of him at
London. My brother Kent mistooke the letter I sent him
for a proclamation ; hee shewed it the Deane of Canterburie,
Dr. Rogers, and most of the Knights and gentlemen about us.
In great hast I rest

Your loving and dutifull sonne

Henrie Oxinden

Jan. xin. mdcxxxvii

CXVI

MARGARET, LADY OXINDEN, to HENRY OXINDEN
[MS. 28,000, f. 67]

Good Cosin,

I consave Doctor Randalls Coors to be good, especi-
ally a pon this thaw and releasing of the wether ; but if this
coors fayll, it folloeth not that therfor there is any other
daynger then not so speedy an amendment as els ther woldbe ;
for in shuch cases many times bodyes com not to be in Right
temper in a good whill, especially at this tyme of the year ; it
was not likly from the beginning but my neec’ wold have a
tedius siknes but I hop not dayngerus, with such good
meanes as you use, ther for I pray be not dismayed. I am
sorry my Nec’ is ill in a time when I can be no more helpfull
to her by reson of my yong horses and the bad wether. I
cawth shuch an extrem cowld as I cam horn, with being frited
with the coch hors, that I came out of the coch and cawght
cowld and have bin ill of my head and my throt, els I had bin
with you yesterday, and so soon as I dare stir out of dores I will
com and se her ; in the mean time I pray let me heer how you
prosed and shall be glad that in anything a may be helpfull
to her and redy to aprove myself to you both

Your afectionat loving Ant to her powr M.O.

132

1637] oxinden’s married life

CXVII

HENRY OXINDEN to MRS. KATHERINE OXINDEN

Loving and Kinde Mother,

My wife hath beene verie ill of late, insomuch as

shee was adiudged to be in great danger but is now for some
time recovered. I doubt not but you have heard of the ill
newes of my cozin James Oxinden slaine in a feild by Jerome
Manwood. My Lady Oxinden . . . taken verie ill, as
is ... 1

[1637]

CXVIII

MRS. KATHERINE OXINDEN to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f * 2 79]

SONN,

i resceved your letter and am glad to heare of my
dafteres recoverri i sent you a letter last weeke which letter
it maybe you have had sence. My sonn Barrow rememberes
his services unto you an to my Dafter and desires to be ex-
skcuseesed (sic) for not writing and not sending your bookes
his sute with his mother is not yet ended. But nou is the
time of trial. My dafter Barrow is not well But Bes and
Addam ar well an remember there love unto you an there
sister so doth my dafter Barrow pray remember my Love to
my Dafter an my servis to Mrs. Kent i did heeare Ma s Kent
was in London but hee was not so kine as to com see mee
nether have i seene sur James Oxsinden nor heard so much as
commondasiones from anni of them. Sence you went from
Londan i was a most in the mind that there was som inpost
set one inke an paper and wee had not heard of the nues here
but if it be not that sur[e] something eles was the case [cause]
eles i shold heere oftetenner out of Kente. My sonn Barrow
desires you to speake to Addam Cuill [Jull] to send him word
how the bissines at elam stanes heare is no nues worth the
1 The MS. of this letter is a fragment only.

133

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1637

relasion at this time, this praying to God for your helth an
youres, i rest your loveing mother

K. O.

Febe the fur st 1637

i will send your selles veri shortely.

CXIX

HENRY OXINDEN to HIS MOTHER, in reply

[MS. 27,999, f. 282]

Loving and Kind Mother,

I have left thirty pound with my cozin Paul Pettit to
bee returned unto you, who hath promised to doe it with all
expedition, 26 11 there of is of the mony the widow Falkner
paid and the 4 11 , being the residue, is part of the quarter’s
interest for my sister Elizabeth. The weaver hath brought
home your cloath. I sent my man to Mr. Richards and hee
was not at home : he enquired if his house were to bee lett,
hee heared that it was not. I shall enquire farther thereof and
certify you. My Aunt Pettit hath beene very ill but it is
hoped is uppon recoverie. Sir Thomas Payton will not bee
at home at Knolton till Thursday. My wife is recovered
beyond expectation of her Friends and Phisition. Mr.
Francis Swan will acquaint my brother Barrow how his
affaires stand at Elham. My children are well. Here is noe
newes save that Mr. Rogers searched his wife to find whether
shee had beene honest or noe. There is a comedie acted
tonight in Lattin at the Deanery. Thus with the remem-
brance of our duties to you and our respects to all I pray for
your health and am

Your dutifull sonne

Henrie Oxinden

Feb 6. 1637

T 34

1637] oxinden’s married life

CXIX (a)

ELIZABETH OXINDEN to HENRY OXINDEN

Good Brother,

I reseved your Letter and the moni which you sent
mee I wold pray you not to tack it ill that you heare not from
mee it is not for wont of true Love unto yow but my bad
riting. And beeing in heast i rest

Youre ever loving sister tel deth

Elizabeth Oxinden

135

PART IV. 1638-1640

THE CLOUDS GATHER OVER ENGLAND

The Letter-writers (in italic) and their circle. Part IV
introduces :

The Oxindens (incidentally)

Two daughters of Sir James Oxinden :

Anne (b. 1607), m. (1626) Richard Master of East Langdon
(cf. Letter CXXVII).

Jane (b. 1618), m. (1637) Sir Thomas Piers, Bart., of Stonepitt,
Seale (cf. Letter CXXI, etc.).

Kentish Gentlemen

Sir Thomas Wilsford (or Wilford) of Ileden (Ilding).

Sir William Meredith of Leeds Abbey and his daughter Elizabeth
(m. April 1640, Henry Oxinden of Deane).

Sir Edward Master of Ospringe.

Richard Master, his son.

Sir John Manwood.

INTRODUCTORY

1. Public Events, 1638-1640

In November 1638, England is anxiously awaiting the decisions
of the Assembly of Glasgow upon certain proposals for a scheme
of modified episcopacy. These have been submitted by James,
Marquis of Hamilton (“ My Lord Marques ”) in accordance with
the royal proclamation at Edinburgh Cross on September 22nd,
1638.

It is generally expected that the demands of the Assembly must
react severely upon the course of English politics ; “ certayne
this is ”, writes Sir Thomas Peyton (Letter CXXI), “ they will
bring forthe a Parliament here in Englande ”.

The demands when formulated fully justify forebodings : they
include the abolition of the episcopate, the re-establishment of

136

CLOUDS OVER ENGLAND

Presbyterian government in the Church of Scotland. Hamilton
returns to England to report his ill -success. Even before his
arrival Sir Jacob Astley, a veteran of the Thirty Years* War, has
been sent North to muster and inspect the Trained Bands.

During the spring of 1639, even in East Kent soldiers are pressed
for Scotland ; the prebends of Canterbury show no eagerness to
provide light horses, and both they and Henry Oxinden evade the
obligation (Letter CXXIII).

During the same month of April the King issues a fresh pro-
clamation, compounded of threats and promises, to his Scottish
subjects ; “ they most ungratiously **, writes sarcastically Henry
Oxinden, “ have refused it *’. Charles now sets forth from New-
castle towards Berwick, and demands for ship-money “ salute ”
the gentlemen of Kent (Letter CXXX). The county has its own
exciting interlude when the Dutch chase a Spanish fleet, seventy
sail of galleons and transport, into the Downs, and there under the
eyes of the English Admiral Pennington, a passive spectator,
defeat them with heavy loss. On that September morning 1639,
the two Henries and Sir Thomas Peyton rides betimes over the
hills to Deal, to lose nothing of the excitement (Letter CXXXIV).

Henry Oxinden of Deane now goes to London for the Law
Term, when he is in a better position to supply the latest tidings to
his cousin, who is detained in Kent by lack of means. On
October 31st he writes to summarise the fresh demands of the
Scottish Covenanters “ as disobedient and insolent as ever ”
(Letter CXXXV).

Sir Thomas Peyton, elected member for Sandwich in 1639, is
present at the opening of the Short Parliament on April 13th, 1640.
From him Henry Oxinden receives a graphic account first of the
procession — the Bishops on “ bob-tayl*d horses ” — and next of the
proceedings in both Houses from Monday, April 16th, to Monday,
23rd. The speech of Harbottle Grimston, member for Col-
chester (“ one Mr. Grimeston ”), which “ iump’d upon the greiv-
ences of our state untimely ”, is qualified by Sir Benjamin Rudyerd
and a speech by Sir Francis Seymour closes the debate. 1 Peti-
tions from the counties are heard next day, detailing grievances of
every kind ; on their conclusion Pym, “ an ancient stoute man of
the Parliament ”, speaks at great length, calling upon the House to
petition the King for redress. Peyton gives a somewhat full
account of this celebrated oration. He then passes to the House

1 Gardiner’s chronology ( Fall of the Monarchy , cf. ch. i, vol. 1. p. 310)
here differs slightly from Peyton’s account.

137

THE OXINDEN LETTERS

of Lords, and describes “ a remarkable passage ”, (on Thursday
19th), between Archbishop Laud and William Fiennes, Lord
Saye and Sele, and the motion for adjournment introduced by
the Lord Keeper (Lord Finch of Fordwich). On the 21st a
Committee is elected to prepare a statement of the case against
the Crown. “ These smart proceedings,” Peyton remarks, “ doe
cause a murmure about the Towne that the Parliament wall dis-
solve.” Old Sir Peter Heyman, the member for Dover, sums up
Monday’s proceedings in a gruff phrase, “ they cast bones one at
another all the day ”. (Letter CXLII).

The letters are now silent awhile upon public matters : nothing
is heard of Charles’s fresh demand for subsidies, his appeal to the
Lords, the fresh trouble in Scotland which forced him again to
press for supplies, and ultimately led to the dissolution of the
Short Parliament after a three weeks’ momentous sitting, on
May 5th, 1640. On the 6th Sir Thomas sends to Maydekin
his comments on the Dissolution, the King’s Speech, and the
spirit in which it was received, and expresses the plain man’s view
of what the dispersal of the members throughout the country
may bring about (Letter CXLVIII).

On the 7th his active pen writes again about the riots at Lam-
beth Palace and the signs of anarchy elsewhere in the country.
Already “ the fiery declination of the world ” seems to threaten
him in his quiet home at Knowlton (Letter CXLIX).

A letter of Sir Thomas Wilsford’s hints at the attempt of
Henrietta Maria to seek help from Rome ; “the Poapische faction
grows twoe insolent ” (Letter CL).

In September 1640 Oxinden receives from his brother-in-law,
Thomas Barrow, a graphic version of the riot in St. Lawrence’s
Church in the City against the Bishop of London’s Chancellor,
Dr. Ducke. 1 (Letter CLVIII). In October Barrow reports on the
negotiations with the Scots resulting in the truce at Ripon on
26th, and hints at Strafford’s impending fall (Letter CLX).
James Oxinden now takes up the tale with the story of Heywood,
the member’s stabbing by a lunatic named James, a Kentish man, 2
the development of the proceedings against Strafford, the release
from the Tower of Laud’s enemy, the fiery John Williams, Bishop
of Lincoln (Letter CLXI). The Lord Keeper, Lord Finch of
Fordwich, who had fled the country in December 1640, is form-
ally impeached on January 14th, 1640-1 and Sir Edward Lyttelton
is appointed to succeed him. The imprisonment and trial of

1 Cf. Gardiner, loc. cit, } i. 438. 2 Gardiner, ii. 26.

138

CLOUDS OVER ENGLAND

Strafford and the proceedings against Dr. Cosin, Richard Kilvert
and others fill Thomas Barrow’s letters (CLXII-CLXIII) with
unwonted excitement, while Edward Swan (Letter CLXVI)
touches on the reprieve of the Jesuit (John Goodman) and his
expected banishment, and forecasts the condemnation of Arch-
bishop Laud, “ very deepe in Capitall Crymes.”

2. Domestic Affairs

In spite of growing anxiety about their country’s unrest, which
is finding expression in the rise of corn prices and the difficulty of
collecting rents, our squires devote their leisure to hunting and
coursing, in which high officials of Church and State also take
part. On one occasion, when the hunt is over the Beacon, Sir
Thomas Peyton meets with an adventure (Letter CLIII).
James Oxinden is now staying at Oxford and Henry is exercised
about his prospects of preferment. The gallant Henry of Deane
carries off his “ Deity ” and their wedding, solemnised at the
bride’s home at Leeds Abbey and repeated at the bridegroom’s
at Wingham, is described with many poetic touches by Henry of
Barham (Letter CXLIII). The second ceremony afforded James
Oxinden an opportunity to display his oratory and to make a
favourable impression (Letter CXLIV).

Henry Oxinden’s young wife Anne dies at Barham, after an
illness in which her aunt Margaret, Lady Oxinden, ministers to
her of her medical skill (Letter CLIV). Sir Thomas Peyton
intercedes with Henry to make more definite provision for his
motherless children (Letter CLV).

Adam Oxinden’s master, Mr. Brooks, retires from business
and sends in his bill (Letter CLXIV).

cxx

SIR BASIL DIXWELL to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, 288]

[Henry Oxinden’s Notebook contains an interesting account of
“ the building and planting of Brome ” ( Genealogist , n.s. 8, 1893,
p.150).

The foundations were laid in April 1635 ; the shell was up by
the following November ; it was September 1637 before the
joiners got to work on wainscotting the rooms, and Michaelmas
1638 before they and the painters departed and all stood ready for
Sir Basil’s occupation. He arrived, says Henry Oxinden, six

139

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1638

weeks later, and remained till the following Michaelmas 1639.
He evidently, however, gave a picnic party there in June of that
summer (as this letter relates).

“ There were used about the house, outhouses and walling,”
the Notebook relates, “ twentie and seaven hundred thousand
brickes which hee made, besides thousands which he bought ; the
sand which he bought come to 500 li and the lead used about the
house to 500 li . . . 1634 hee diked and quicksetted the great
pasture feilds beside the house . . . and layd them to pasture,
which before had been errable ground time out of the memory of
Man.” Rows of trees, largely ashes, were planted in Kelldane,
and fruit trees in the orchard by the back door. The whole enter-
prise cost him £8,000, and he lived to enjoy it barely three years ;
he was buried in Barham Church, January 12th, 1642, where
his grandiloquent monument still stands in the south aisle
crossing.

Many alterations were made in the interior of Broome Hall when
it came by purchase into the ownership of Lord Kitchener of
Khartoum in 1908. The exterior, save for a bay built in the
eighteenth century by one of the Ladies Oxinden (who had been
Margaret Chudleigh before her marriage), still keeps its seven-
teenth century character, the tall red gables, and the mullioned win-
dows looking out between fair avenues over the park land and
towards the downs.]

Mr. Oxinden,

I request you that you and your wife and the Capt
that is with yow would be pleased to take the payne to walke
downe on Thursday next about two of the clocke in the after-
noone to Broome house wher yow shall meete myselfe and
the Gentlemen and Gentlewomen which are of my house,
that are very desirous to see yow all there and to eate a cake
and drinke a bottle of wine together and soe you are most
frendly and respectively saluted by

Your affection, frend

Basil Dixwell

Folkston June the nth 1638

140

1638] CLOUDS OVER ENGLAND

CXXI

SIR THOMAS PEYTON to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f - 2 94 ]

[The subject of Baronetcies of Scotland was no doubt suggested to
Sir Thomas Peyton by the fact that a connection of Henry Oxin-
den’s, Sir Thomas Piers of Stonepitt, Seale, had been, in 1638,
created a Baronet of Nova Scotia by King Charles I. The
Province of Nova Scotia became a part of the Kingdom of Scot-
land in the previous reign, and was granted, under Great Seal,
September 10th, 1621, to Sir William Alexander of Menstrie,
afterwards Earl of Stirling. Alexander procured the approval of
James I to a scheme for creating in Scotland 44 an hereditary
dignity under the title of Knights Baronets of Nova Scotia
The first ten Baronetcies were created between May 28th and
July 19th, 1625. Each Baronet, in return for a sum of 3,000
merks (£166 13s. 4d.), received, by way of Barony, a grant of
16,000 acres in the Royal Province of Nova Scotia : a third of
this fee went to Sir William Alexander as grantee ; two-thirds
were to be devoted to 44 setting forth the Plantation In all
122 Baronets were created by Charles I ; after 1638 the grants of
land ceased, and Sir Thomas Piers’s creation was one of the last
eight. 1 ]

Brother Oxinden,

I desire you would nott bee forgettfull to gett mee the
forsaking of Sir Tho: Peirce his horses and yet I would not
have it knowne that I desire it, because it may enhaunce the
price which hitherto I dislike, but I suppose they will goe for
the rate they were bought, and it falls not with in the lists of ill
husbandry to lett them goe for lesse rather then to stand at
livery and noe use had of them. Butt now I have begun a
letter with horses I will not bee soon tyred, butt travell to the
borders of the paper with some newes which would seeme to
ride upon the first occasion I tooke to sett out upon here :
Butt so what I write you may use your historicall faithe only
and change it upon better advice.

The state, degree and dignitie of the Scotche Baronett is
iust in the same esteeme as the nobility of Ireland and Scot-

1 Complete Baronetage , ed. G.E.C., vol. ii. 1625-41, p. 275.

I 4 I

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1638

land bee here ; and as noe Irishe viscount can take place
above those Englishe viscounts here, thoughe not with
standing they have it above all our Barons, soe the Barts of
Scotland are belowe those of England but yett superiour to
knights of all kinds. Only in the repute and esteeme of the
common Lawe, as alsoe are all forreine Noblemen, they are
only men without titles, and by moste it is thought the rates
given for the service (for I dare not say there was anything
given for the honour, which was ever thought too glorious a
thing to bee mercenary) was by Englishmen too liberally
offered, because it is prooved to bee thus diminished, and too
hastily accepted of by the Scotchmen who herein doe not
please their country.

My Lord Marques is expected as soone as the Demands bee
drawne up, which will bee this weeke : what the Demands
will bee is by some guessed, which are very intrusive and
peremptory, butt the times bee soe dangerous that I dare nott
speake any thing ; lett time bring them forth without any
monstrousnesse to the world, and then wee shall knowe them
all with gladnesse. Certayne this is, that they will bring
forthe a Parliament here in Englande : for whether the king
comply or confronte their e demands, it is thought they will
bee such as the kyng will answer with the voyce of the whole
kingdome. In the meane while is sent into the North parts
Sir Jacob Astley and sixe Captaines to view the Armes there,
for the best must bee hoped for and the worst prevented. I
have sent you such new bookes as are of the rarest perusall :
here is expected a booke to come out of my Lord of Canter-
bury of Controversy , 1 written it seemes in Latyne, a tongue of
large confines : which I hope to bring with mee into Kent if
it make hast. Wee heare that they begin upon the borders to
forage and pillage already. I hope the forwardnes will
suffer for example. In the meane time god keepe us upon
whom the ends of the world are come : for such the state of
the age would perswade it to bee when the universall frame
of nature seemes to bee thus distracted and bodyes Politick as

1 The Conference with Fisher , published Feb. 10, 1638-9.

I42

1639] CLOUDS OVER ENGLAND

well as naturall grow to that height of distemper as to talke
Idlely. And soe I end, with my love to yourselfe and my
sister and am alwaies

Your assured loving husband (sic)

Tho: Peyton

Chelsey . Novemb: 26. 1638
raptim vee raptim

My wife remembers her respects to yourselfe and my sister.

CXXII

SIR JAMES OXINDEN to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f. 309]

Good Nephew,

I spake to old George this morning, who teld me that
your gelding might very well be led home, but lookinge
further into your letter I founde you desired direcctions to
use him when you had him at home, after which I presently
sent up to him to his house, but he was gone from home so
that I cannot send you any other direcctions but to use him
as a sick horse, that is to keepe him warme and give him good
macche to cherish him. I thancke you for your ill newes. So
I am

this 13. Apr , 1639

Your affectionate uncle

James Oxinden

CXXIII

HENRY OXINDEN to MRS. KATHERINE OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f. 310]

Loving and Kinde Mother,

I received your letter wherein you certifie mee that
you have not had your health verrie well of late, for which I
am heartilie sorrie. You wondered in your letter that you
did not heare from mee ; truly Adam Jull told mee three
weekes agoe or more that hee was to come up and I deferred

H3

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1639

sending because I intended to send by him. Hee sayeth now
hee will come up without faile uppon Mooneday next, but in
regard you seemed in your letter to desire to have your boxe
sent up in hast I have accordingly done itt. I shall send up
the monie that I owe my brother Barrow by him &c, as allsoe
certifie you of my resolution in comeing to London. Here
have beene divers soldiers pressed to goe for Scotland ; it
fell to Joanes and Soles lott to have gon but wee found a way
to gett them off : it alsoe fell to my lott to send a light horse
and to divers of the prebends, but they procured themselves to
gett off and I thinke the Laytie fared the better ; so as I am
in hopes to send none. The Lady Oxinden is come out of h er
chamber agayne. The Lady Peirce was brought to bed uppon
Fryday night of a boy. My wife and myselfe remember our
duties unto you and our love to my Brother and Sister
Barrow and my Sister Elizabeth and all my Cozins. Pray if
my sister Elizabeth may marry well in London, not to neglect
itt : for good husbands are hard to bee gott here. Thus
praying god to send you your health, desiring you to send
these two incloased letters to the places mentioned uppon
them, I rest and am

Your loving and dutiful sonne

Henrie Oxinden

CXXIV

HENRY OXINDEN OF DEANE to HENRY OF BARHAM

[MS. 27,999, 3°8]

Cozin Oxinden,

My Lady Palmer hath intreated mee to use my best
interest with you to gett her some Rabits against thirsday
morning ; the courtesie is as yett only to bee acknowledged
from mee, beecause shee would have her husban wonder
where shee gott them. Pray oblige mee so farre as to use your
best indeavour to gett some and to write me an answere.
There is a great deale of companie to dine there on thirsday
among which I am to bee one. I have beene so taken up by

144

1639] CLOUDS OVER ENGLAND

invitations and hindr.ed by my mare, which hath a gated
backe, that I have not been so happy as to wait on you, which
I much longe to doe and will effect so soone as it lies in my
power. In hast I rest

Your Frend and Servant

Henry Oxinden

Dene , Apr: 1639

Pray write mee word whether you thinke you can cacth
any or no, and shee shall send for them in the morning if
you can.

CXXV

SIR THOMAS PEYTON to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f * 3 00 1
Bro: Oxinden,

I am sorry my occasion did soe suddenly snatch mee
out of London that I could not stay to send you a second
letter as I intended, full fraught with newes. For two of my
letters, by the strict Lawe of Salis, could hardly make a re-
compense for one I received from you ; and therefore I must
rest in your debt unlesse this pay some of it, which it can
hardly doe because it tends to oblige mee more unto you and
nott to discharge anything of what I owe. My businesse now
is to intreate you to joyne with mee for securitye of the
300 11 which Mr. Country hath provided for mee, and to that
purpose to take thy paines to meet mee at Canterbury to-
morrowe about eleven a clocke.

I have made soe good use of my time in London this
terme that I shall bee prepared to pay all my high and mighty
debts honestly and truely : which is nott only a joy to mee
butt to all my neighbours I suppose, who thinke it a good
hearing that theyr equalls fall in their fortunes ; butt I hope
it is to rise with a greater force.

I doe appoint tomorrowe though it bee iuste a day too
soone ; because I have promised Mr. Oxinden to meete him
k HS

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1639

upon Fryday about Eythome to hunte, where joyne with his
bloody persecutors the noe lesse bloody persecutors of Mr.
Tooke of Beere, who altogether are like to make it a day of
great noyse and tumult. And soe desiring an intimation
from you of your disposition to what I have propounded, with
my love to yourselfe and your wife our sister
I rest

Your assured lo: brother

Knolton. Tho: Peyton

This Thursday morning.

1639

CXXVI

HENRY OXINDEN OF DEANE to HENRY OF BARHAM

[MS. 27,999, f. 31 1]

Cozen,

I am to meet with the high Sheriff and the Deane of
Canterbury tomorrow a hunting, otherwise I should have
bee forward to have made on of your companie to morrow :
howsoever my minde and affection shall give them selves the
honour to bee present with you and to wish you much mirth
and all hapines. I cannot but condole with you for the losse
of your horse, and I wish that this may bee a warning to you
heereafter not to preferre a pretended farrier before an ex-
perienced one. Pray present my servis to my brother
Master and tell him I will not fayle him to call him att Wing-
ham about ten of the clocke : He shall meet with Sir Thomas
Palmer tomorrow att Dover where hee may apoint him also
the houre

I am your freind and kinsman

Henry Oxinden

My mother hath sent my cosin such things as shee hath,
this cold weather hath hindred that you have so good store
as shee wishes. The Sparagus must bee but a little more
then scalded.

Aprill the 21 1639
Dene

146

1639] CLOUDS OVER ENGLAND

CXXVII

HENRY OXINDEN OF DEANE to HENRY OF BARHAM
[MS. 28,000, f. 177]

[Sir Edward Master of Ospringe, third son of James Master of
East Langdon, married an heiress, Etheldreda Streynsham ; he
was High Sheriff 15 Charles I (1639). “ My brother Masters ”
was his son, Richard, married (1626) to Anne, da. of Sir James
Oxinden and sister of Henry of Deane : they were parents of
twenty children in twenty-three years.

Sir John Manwood was son of Sir Peter Manwood and grand-
son of the more famous Sir Roger. It was he who sold the family
seat at Hackington in 1637 to Colonel Thomas Colepepir. He
was a Gentleman of the Privy Chamber, Lieutenant Governor of
Dover Castle, and, in 1640, M.P. for Sandwich. He m. Levina,
da. of Sir John Ogle, Governor of Utrecht, and died 1653.

A fragment of a letter from Henry of Barham to Henry of
Deane (f. 245) remains to suggest what ground of offence had
arisen between the cousins. It runs :

... In the midst of my vexation I have this to comfort me,
that I am confident those [illegible] politicians will bee as much the
better for all there projects as these gentlemen were who made a
hedge to fence in a bird : the bird toke her course and they
remayned as wise as before. I have this likewise to console mee,
that my enemies are palpably knowne to have their owne ends by
him who, in his counsell, must needs acquit mee. I have also
to comfort mee that [erased] will bee as much the better for them
as Icarus was for his new proiected wings, or as I am like to bee
the heavier for the discovery of their folly ; to which I leave,
having no longer time to manifest it, and rest
Yours never the lesse

Henry Oxinden]

Cozin Oxinden,

I received your lettre this morning by your little
Mercurie, and was almost readie to take horse to meet my
brother Masters ahunting, whose father, Sir Edward is high
Sherieff and this night hee intends to go and congratulat him
and there lie. Yett I intreat to send your grayhounds
notwithstanding ; for all his absence I would have met you
there, but that hee told mee last Saterday at Dene that Sir
John Manwood tooke it very ill that Gentillmen did course

147

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1639

without his leave and warrant, and therupon fell on very
angry termes, which I forbeare now to tell you : so that my
brother told me that should take it kindly and a great honour
to entertayne [MS. tom] and your companie, and did much
desire it, [MS. torn] or after coursing, but hee would not
accompany you in your Sport for a great matter ; for the
same cause pray excuse mee ; butt for yesterdayes worke I
dare begg no excuse, but absolutely leave the remission of my
fault to your clemencie and mercie, for I protest to you and
by God I never thought of it, nether came it to my mind till
aftemoone. Pray assure yourselfe that no state policie can
alter of the immutability of the love of

[Signature cut off but the writing is that of Henry Oxinden of
Deane.]

CXXVIII

HENRY OXINDEN to MRS. KATHERINE OXINDEN
[MS. 27,999, f * 313 ]

[“ Mr. Streetehay ” was Thomas Barrow's partner in business
(cf. Letter CLVIII).

Timothy St. Nicholas, whose widow had re-married, belonged
to the ancient family of St. Nicholas (Seniclas) originally owners
of the Manor of Goshall in Ash next Sandwich, who continued to
live in that parish and neighbourhood till the reign of Charles
II, when the line died out.]

Loving and Kinde Mother,

I have stayd writing unto you because I did desire
Adam Jull should bee the bearer of my letter, who had come
to London before now had not some occasions hindered him.
I saw my brother Adam’s maister in the Countrie, who, with
some other companie that came with him, dined at my house.
I received a paire of gloves from Mr. Streetehay which were
sent unto my wife, shee retumes thankes for them. Sir
James Oxinden and my cozin Henrie Oxinden will bee att
London this Tearme ; as concerning my coming although I
have a greate desire to see you and should have bene glad to
have seene some other of my Friends, yett because mony is soe

148

1639] CLOUDS OVER ENGLAND

hard to come by, and I could not come up (espeacially in tearme
time) without expence, I am forced to stay att home. Some
time after the tearme I intend, God willing, to come and see
you. All thinges in the countrie are extreame dead by reason
of the rumour of warres ; they that have monie will not part
with itt ; they that have none cannott.

I have sent you 3 1 . I s . 6 d being Prebutes our Lady dayes
rent and 2 1 being Claringbols our Lady dayes rent, in all the
summe of 5 1 . I s . 6 d . Hee doth desire mee to stay in his
house a yeare longer. I told him I durst not lett it him
till I heared from you ; I desire you to bee pleased to lett
him, in regard hee payeth his rent reasonably well and there
will bee 40 s a yeare lost if the house stand emptie. I
formerly certified you that I did by your own permission
hire Mr. John Swann your bricke house till St. Michaell.
Your Tenant Woollett, who hath marryed widow Falkner,
and I cannot agree, insomuch as I shall take it as one of the
greatest favoures you can doe mee if you will assigne over
his lease to mee ; if I fade in paying your rent you shall
re-enter and have it againe, so that it will not bee a farthing
damage to you, and then if hee carrie himselfe noe better I
am resolved to re-enter uppon him. What newes is in
our partes Adam Jull I suppose will relate with advantage :
my sonne Thomas hath beene at schoole at Mr. Drayton’s
ever since Easter weeke ; Mr. Swan and his wife goe this
weeke to live at Fredfeild : his two daughters are to goe
to schoole at Ashford. Sir Basil Dixwell talketh of going
backe to live at Folkestone at St. Michaell next. Daphne is
well : I have had of late a verie greate losse, for the gelding I
bought of Mr. John Swan, which I would not have taken 20 u
for, is dead. This is all I can certifie you of at this time, and
therefore with my dutie remembred unto you and my love
to my sisters I rest

Your dutifull and obedient Sonne
May 12 1639 Henrie Oxinden

Mr. Harris is married to Timothy St. Nicholas his widow.

149

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1639

CXXIX

MRS. KATHERINE OXINDEN to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f. 104]

SONN,

I reseved your letter and the 5 poune is and sixpence
it came in good time for i did much want munni and was faine
to borrow of my sonn Barrow to pay my Dockter an for other
thinges an shale not yet pay him ; munni is as hard to comby
heare as it can be in the conterri, the shopkepperes doe much
complaine they can get no munni my cossen Pettet sent a
note for the munni Bes oedd hem soe i was faine to lend her a
poune od munni if the eaire in London did agree with mee i
thinke i shold not stay heare it tise so chargabel liveing heare
and to so littel purpose as I am wereri of it. Conserning
Clarringhole an the widdow Fakelle [Falkner] wee will talke
of it when wee meete for if you doe not com up after the
tearme yet I will com doune before midsommer i had written
unto you long before this time but som ocasiones has made
mee defer it. i have sent a kee by Gooddi Gull pray loke
in the trunke for a paire of skurtes to a spotted satten goune
they bee hole skurtes taide with a black bone lase, praye if
you can finde them send them up next weeke ; if you cannot
finde them pray send mee word, i wold in larg my letter
but i cannot at this time veri well to write this, with my love
to my Dafter an your selfe praying to for your helthe an
happines I rest

K. O.

[May 1639]

i was yesterday to see Addam hee is well and M s a Brooks
he commenes much of his entertainement hee had at your
house. M s a Hadnam made Addames sute an Cloke againes
ester for then his master did expect them.

I S°

1639] CLOUDS OVER ENGLAND

CXXX

HENRY OXINDEN OF DEANE to HENRY OF BARHAM
[MS. 28,000, f. 38]

Cozen,

Heere is no newes thats good and therefore the more
unfitt or att least unsafe to write. Godd may please to tume
the hearts of the rebells to submitt to our gratious King’s will,
butt as yett, as I heare, they are more absolutely resolv’d to
entertayne an army of thirtie or 40 thousand men then a cant
of five or six Bishops ; the King is yett att new castle and itts
sayd will shortly goe to Barwicke and so towards Scottland,
but hee will first reinforce his army, and to that end there’s a
great presse to bee made now in London and forces to be
raised out of the countries about, but its sayd there shall be
none out of Kent. The King hath sent them a gratious pro-
clamation butt they most ungratiously have refus’d it, and
not suffer’d it to bee proclam’d amongst them. Sir you are
likely very shortly to receive the honour of a salute in a letter
from the King for some moneys. I will say no more to you
att this time but what I have often sayd, that I am
Your frend and Servant

Henry Oxinden

[Conjectural date May 1639]

CXXXI

HENRY OXINDEN to MRS. KATHERINE OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f. 315]

Loving and Kinde Mother,

I have received your letter wherein you have sent for
10 11 for your selfe and 4 11 for my sister Elizabeth, which mony
I have sent you, although I made hard shift for itt. I have
allsoe sent io 11 for my brother James and I desire you to gett
my brother Barrow to send it to him in all haste. Pray per-
swade my brother James to stay some time at Oxford now
hee is there, for one yeares study there now will doe him a

iSi

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1639

hundred pounds worth of good ; besides itt is chargeable
travelling too and froo ; I and my wife sent you letters de-
siring your companie att our house in regard yours will nott
bee at libertie untill St. Michaell ; wee should have beene
glad of your companie and have endeavoured to give you
content. I desire you to lett this encloased letter be sent to
my brother James. Pray remember my love to my brother
and sister Barrow and to my brother Adam and the rest of my
Friends and soe in hast, committing you to the protection of
Allmightie God, I rest

Your loving and dutifull sonne

Henrie Oxxnden

June 10 th, 1639

To the worthy and his verie loving Mother Ms Katherine
Oxinden att the signe of the Maydenhead att the upper end
of Cheapeside these in hast. . . .

London

CXXXII

HENRY OXINDEN OF DEANE to HENRY OF BARHAM
[MS. 28,000, f. 176]

Worthy Cozen,

I spake to Sir Thomas Palmer that hee would not take
it ill if you followed the law against his man for stealing your
conies, his answere to mee was very colerik and rash and sayd
you did him a great discourtesie to take away his man now
he had so earnest and important occasions for him, being
harvest and hee his picher, but you might prosecute the
others now and after harvest hang his man if hee deserved it.
Moreover he does thinke no iustice of peace will be so dis-
courteous as to send a warrant for his man without writing
him a letter before hand to certifie him the busines, such
things are us’d to clownds, never to gentlemen. Lastly hee
will on no termes grant leave, wherfore I have return’d your
warrant unexecuted, and of this I will talke to you off more at

152

1639] CLOUDS OVER ENGLAND

larg tomorrow morning att the Beacon, where pray faile not
to meete att seaven of the clok.

I am your frend and servant

Henry Oxinden

this busines is of waight, fayle not.

CXXXIII

JAMES OXINDEN to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f- 318]

Lovinge Brother,

I desire you to excuse mee in that I have not satissfied
your command in giveinge you a longer warninge to provide
moneys for mee, the Act and other occasions have hindred
mee from writinge : I praye you if you can with anie conven-
iencie to healp mee with io 11 within this five weeks. I am
not ignorant of your great occasions to use moneys this harvest
time and were not my occasions urgent I would not bee soe
urgent with you.

For Mr. Holt, hee hath not beene in this Universitie this
2 yeeres, I heere hee is at his Liveinge in or about the borders
of Kent. 1 As for newes heere is but little, beinge quite out
of the roade. An Act heere was, and a great cumpanie of
Doctors that proceeded, there questions and names you may
reade in this paper inclos’d. Praye remember my duty to
my Mother and doe mee that Curtesie as to write mee word
where shee liveth. Thus with my heartie love remembred
unto you, I rest

Your loveinge Brother

James Oxinden

From Oxford Aug . the 30 1639

1 Cranley, in Surrey.

153

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1639

CXXXIV

HENRY OXINDEN OF DEANE to HENRY OF BARHAM

[MS. 27,999, f * 320]

Cozen,

I heare there is a great fleet of Spaniards chased in to
the downs by the Hollanders, whose Sight is related to mee
to bee worth the veiwing, and the hearing of the newes of their
tedious and bloudy fight worth our paines riding thither ;
wherefore if you please to do mee the favour to accompanie
mee to Deale, I shall bee beholding to you, in hope you will
not repent your ioumey ; pray send me an answere, and if you
come lett itt bee early in the morning tomorrow and wee will
call att Knowlton to see if Sir Thomas Peyton will goe, in
hast I rest

Your frend and kinsman

Sept . the 12 th 1639 Henry Oxinden

cxxxv

SAME to SAME

[MS. 27,999, f - 322]

Cozin Oxinden,

I shall be a punctuall observer of your commands ;
heere is butt little newes neither, the Scotts are as disobedient
and insolent as ever, I heare they make foure demands of the
king ; the first is that they would have him, the king, grant
subsides to levie money, as well on them that where att
King’s side as others, towards the bearing of the charges they
have been att, the 2 that whereas the king granted them an
act of oblivion they scome it, and will have an act of pacifica-
tion, the third they will have a new State of parliament
created where there shall bee no clergie, the fourth is that they
will chuse the rulers and magistrats of their countrie them
selves. The fift I leave to you to make. I want your com-
panie much heere, but your more wise then to afford itt mee.
I am weary of the towne and stay butt for my father to

*54

1639] CLOUDS OVER ENGLAND

releive mee ; the best pastime I find heere is att the ordinarie,
where wee have varietie of humors, discourse and opinions,
but I keepe constant my humor which is ever to bee
Your affectionat kinsman and servant

Henry Oxinden

London Oct . the 31 1639

CXXXVI

SIR THOMAS PEYTON to HENRY OXINDEN
[MS. 27,999, f. 324]

Bro: Oxinden,

Your letter was every line a courtesie, and altogether
made up such a summe of friendly offices as I must make my
heires and posterity liable to discharge as well as myselfe ;
for if you should extend all the acctions of my life to waite on
you, I shoulde have yett much unpaide. And your kindnes
too had an operation which you knew nott of I perceive at
the writing of your letter : eo enim momento quo recepi
a te litteras, veniunt inter manus etiam a Paulo Countreo 1
aliae quibus nummos mihi parasse scribit : et hoc fieri tuo
solo studio satis intelligo.

I understand your conceit alsoe of the scarcitie of king’s
silver in Kent ; which I knew before ; butt there will bee
remedy for this if one part of Kent bee solde to helpe another,
as I heare it is, and the Parish of Wrotham charged to supply
the poore of the Parish of Chartham. My letter must want its
omamentall part, which is newes ; for where nothing is to
[be] had the king must loose his right : butt certaynely great
matters are preparing, which how the subject will digest I
know nott.

This day Mr. Oxenden carried mee to an Ordinary, where
my understanding was much improved, for there a certayne
immoral fry read Lectures of their owne vanities or gave
intelligence of their friendes. I know now what young

1 The Contrys were merchants in Canterbury, cf. Arch. Cant., xxv.
p. 275.

iS5

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1639

meteors of the towne have the poxe and who hath undertooke
to cure them and who gave it them too. I know where the
last quarrell was and how they came off. I know where the
best Clarett is and the best Sack. I know who feares the
Streete for a sort of men that are sent abroad to carry captive
souldjers. I know there never was suche an age as this is,
and men had need of excellent virtues to live in it.

I adjoume what I have more to say till my next letter. In
the meane time I should bee glad to find all wayes to show
myselfe to you in direct or collaterall offices, which I hope
you conceive aright,

Your very lo: brother

Tho: Peyton

London: Novemb . 7. 1639

CXXXVII

JOHN PHILIFOTT , SOMERSET HERALD, to EDWARD SWAN

[MS. 27,999, f - 326]

Generous Squyre,

Marsh was at Arundell House and toke up his bond to
the Messenger and put in new bond to appere at any tyme
at your sute upon 3 days’ warning, if the Arbitrators shall not
make an end of the difference in the Contry. In the meane
tyme I here that his Sonne that did marry Henry Saunders’ 1
daughter hath ben with Sir John Borough, Garter King of
Armes, to get himselfe adorned with a coate ; they say it is
don but I am no ways partie to it, I thank god.

Your busines is so stated you cannot suffer, and if the
Accord do not go on, let me here of you and I shall bring it to
hereing when you please, and it shall please me ever to be
Your faithfull servaunt

Jo: Philipott Somersett

12 Novemb. 1639.

1 Anne, daughter of Henry Sanders of Canterbury.

156

1639] CLOUDS OVER ENGLAND

CXXXVIII

JAMES OXINDEN to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f. 334]

Good Brother,

I have received your letter and the io u you sent mee
up and my Brother Barrowe the 4 11 , it came in verrie good
time because I was verrie much necessitated and allmost gon
before I receiv’d it.

Conceminge my staye heere at Oxford, I am the more
willinge because your command, which I doo perswade my
selfe is for the best because yours, whome I have alwayes
found carefull beyound the nature of a Brother and my
deserts.

I have writ a letter to Sir Thomas Peyton accordinge to
your command ; I have sent it unseald because I would have
you peruse it, which if you thinke fittinge I desire you to
conveigh unto him, if not to the fire ; for my part I was never
delighted in complements, nor am I soe much Leamd in his
nature as to knowe to write unto him, or what will bee
accepted by him. Concerninge the best commentators I
cannot as yet certifie you, there are soe many ; the next letter
I write I will learn them out. I shall have neede of 7 11
ag st Christmas, which I desire you not to faile to send mee.
Praye certifie mee of the health of all my Friends and re-
member my best respects, as allsoe to yourselfe and your
seacond selfe to both whome I rest

In all servise to be commanded

James Oxinden

From Oxf. <) b6r 25 1639

Sent this monie to Canterburie by Nicholas Coper
Dec. 17. 1639, t0 bee conveid to him by my brother Barrow,
viz. 7 11 .

I S7

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1639
CXXXIX

henry oxinden’s Copy of the Letter to

SIR THOMAS PEYTON from HIS BROTHER JAMES

[MS. 27,999, f - 335]

Worthye Sir,

Your promises to mee, which are so farr beyond my
desert, deserve noe lesse then a gratefull remembrance from
me ; and it hath not beene the least of my thoughts and desire
to write unto you, but that I feared least avoyding one
rocke, which is ingratitude, I should run uppon another, the
desturbance of your more serious occasions. I know that
your noble disposition neede not bee put in minde, and instig-
ations to a willing nature are clogs not furtherances. It is
the adulterate kind of way to extract a favour by complement.
True charitie is naturall and bestowes her favours not uppon
cry but uppon the man. The deepest waters make the best
murmuring, and they have not allwayes the greatest deserts of
Charitie who are the greatest beggers ; want of Rhetorick to
some proves the best Rhetorician to perswade, and silence is
sometime both the complementer and the intercessor. It
shall bee my desire with the Philosopher /Escanes (were I
a present fit for you) me ipsum dare, and not with the poet
verba Dare. Under whom if I have that happines as to be
patronized, it should not bee the least of my study to deserve
your favours. In the meane time I rest

Yours in all service to be commanded

James Oxinden

From Oxford.

No: 25. 1639

CXL (Draft)

HENRY OXINDEN to JAMES OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f - 2 47 v 0
Good Brother,

I have received your letter dated No. 25, 1639, and
in that another enclosed to Sir Tho: Peyton, to whom I meane

158

1639] CLOUDS OVER ENGLAND

to send it when I find the most convenient time : I am re-
solved (seeing I have found you willing to follow my direc-
tions) omnem movere lapidem to doe you the best good in
my power, and if I shall faile one way I will endeavour to
speede another. I doe persuade myselfe you will not doe
amisse to stay out some small time where you are, in regard
when you shall come from thence I shall not prefer you
anie more to retume to either universitie. Wherefore I pray
make the utmost benefit in your studies can possible during
this last halfe yeare, and be sure to learne all the best com-
mentators uppon each booke of the old and new testament,
and seing your time is short there, dwell not upon any author,
but take a superficiall veiw of all choice ones, that hereafter
if occasion serves you may know which of them to make use
of for your purpose ... 1 pray take an exact survey of all the
Colliges and remarkable places about Oxford and learne who
are the governours of them, as allsoe their nature and disposi-
tion &c. If I may advise you to that I have bene deficient in
myselfe, let mee wish you now to begin to studie men, for
everie rationall man is a living book. I have according to
your desire sent you *j n m Your friends are all in good health,
more particularly our mother and sister and your nephew
Thomas Oxinden cui non secundus. Pray take it not amiss
that [lines erased]. Brother James I am not ignorant that
you ar far better able to counsel mee then I you, yet I thought
good to let you understand my opinion, you being liberum
arbitrum to choose what you please, and pray imagine that it
is out of a singular affection to you that I doe it, otherwise I
could better have let it alone. And though perhaps another
brother may be nearer to you in affection then myselfe, yett
you shall never find one more real and more desirous to doe
you good then I am.

Dec . 17 1639

1 Several lines here erased.

I S 9

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1639

CXLI

HENRY OXINDEN OF DEANE to HENRY OF BARHAM

[MS. 27,999, f - 338 ]

COZIN,

Tomorrow I retume to the Shrine to worship my Diete
[Deity] and to re-offer my Selfe a Sacrifice att the alter of her
Mercy, and I desire to carry your prayers and some peace
offring along with mee that my ioumey may bee the more
prosperous. Had you had such view as I wherein perpetuall
blis or torment doth consist, I should have congratulated or
condol’d with you ere this, butt since old oblivion, for so I
terme her, being from the beginning her dogge trick to bee
most busie and present when frends are most in adversitie,
since shee I say, that Eve’s serpent, hath so stupifid your
braines as to make you forgett your best frends, shee shall bee
for ever accursed of mee, and avoyded as the greatest enimie to
true frendshippe. Lett mee once more intreat your com-
panie and consell, and that this day, itt being never more
needfull then now in this presumtious and doubtfull attempt ;
and remember the old saying that amicus certis etc. Denie
not neither fayle to come, least I do as Absalome did to Joab,
do you mischiefe to make you come to mee. Consider of this ;
in the meane time I continue

Your immutable freind

Henry Oxinden

Decemb: zqth.

1639

CXLII

SIR THOMAS PEYTON to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 28,000, f. 2]

[At this time there were Crayfords living at Ware in the parish of
Ash. One brother, George Crayford, was married to Margaret,
daughter of Edward Boys of Betshanger. The head of the
family, Sir William Crayford of Mongeham, was connected with
the Oxindens of Deane, through his wife, Cordelia Nevinson, a

160

1639] CLOUDS OVER ENGLAND

niece of Lady Oxinden. The “ Mr. Crayford ” of the letter
cannot be identified, but he was not, as is rather implied, a member
of Parliament.]

Bro: Oxinden,

I could nott expect soe Laborious a testimony of your
willingnes to satisfy my desires, whiche since it is soe under-
taken by you I muste you intreate to receive my thanks here
for it, or some performance of the promise I made you,
according as the time will give mee leave which I snatch from
the disturbances of both private and publique affaires Butt
before I come to it I must interprett a word in my last letter
as you enjoyne mee, which you call an extraordinary epithet
to the race horses, which hath disturb’d your bookes and
friends, and truely it being written in some dispatch I cannott
well and certaynely call it to mind, unlesse yt was that I
named them Dromicall horses ; which I doubt whether that
were the word or noe, because you charge itt for a word whose
caput est in nubibus, such difficulty you pretend it carries ;
to you that are a graduate for your sufficiency in the Greeke I
wonder it should bee soe obscure. I confesse I did read it in
Godw: Antiq: where you may find inter Ludes Circenses some-
thing to this Purpose, that horses brought into the Cirque
were of two sorts ; some were iro^irLKoi such as were led
up and downe for state, and such horses hee understands
Josiah to have taken away, 2 k. 23 . 1 1 . , which I have observed
in my bible and this the first use I have bin putt to make of it,
which was a tencture received of Persian superstition, quod
fusius vide in the author himselfe. Other horses were for
exercise and race, which he calls SpofxiKos, the institution of
which hee refers to the honor of Neptune, who was the first
author of horse riding and was thence called i-mriog, (I thinke
Spo/ixo? or hnroSpojuLos is Greke too and you know the meaning).
And therefore the Roman horsemen gave a sky-coloured
Banner which resembled the colour of the sea and they
thought was acceptable to him. Of the first sort, the king at his
riding to Parliament had one led by the Marques Hamilton, 1

1 C/. p* 136.

L l6l

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1639

Master of the Horse. Of the second, Mr. Crayford and
the rest. And now take mee nott for a Graecian for that I
have saide. A mery Greeke sometimes I am indeed and noe
other Greeke I have, nor other language, only desirous to
improve reason I read sometimes to satisfie my owne private
quaeres et ignorance, nott to confound learned men and ther
bookes and frends with words newborne. And though I have
beene long in this I will not abate of what I intended to write
you concerning our Parliament proceedings. The riding to
the Parliament I did see, and from shewe I can give you butt
this observation, more then what was usual forme and state,
that the Bishops only did ride, many of them on bob-tayPd
horses, fitter for Mrs Crayford in my opinion at Bridghill then
for an Ecclesiasticall Baron's gravity and reverence there.
What succeeded was of course that day and soe the next
when they presented their speaker ; from thence I conceyve
they began to see fitt to agitate for discourse of businesse.
The Committee of Privileges was then named, to which we
are humble Petitioners for the reparation of our wrongs,
which petition of ours they have yett, and till Tuesday or
Thursday are nott like to come to a hearing ; but while you
hiere our businesse spoke of, I pray make a terrible report of
our machinations here, to fright the Maltman Vice Roy of
Sandwiche, for soe his autority and place denominate him.
And in sober sence wee make no doubt to give ourselves ample
satisfaction, only we are aggreived at this delay, that wee are
not helpers to the first and braver actions. One fault was
observ'd to bee committed in the Lower house by one Mr.
Grimeston, who first spake in the house and iump’d upon the
greivences of our state untimely and too early, which speech
was endeavoured to bee qualified by Sir Benjamin Raudyere ;
yett feared nott Sir Francis Seymour to say as much agen and
compared our affayres to the bondage of Israelites in Egypt,
with whose speech the session ended for that day. Yester-
day one Mr. Rous, whether out of some daunt at the assembly,
or zeale to his cause, or abundance of matter, made a good
butt a confused speeche, declaring the greivances of state.

162

1639] CLOUDS OVER ENGLAND

Upon whose conclusion presently arose Mr. Pimme, an
ancient and stoute man of the Parliament, that ever zealously
affected the good of his Country, who as yett only made the
full complaint of the Commons, for hee left nott anything
untouched, Shipmoney, Forrests, Knighthood, Recusants,
Monopolies, the present inclination of our Churche to
Popery, and more then my memory can suggest to mee, and
in the close desired the Lower house to move the Upper in
an humble request that they would bee pleased to joyne with
them in a petition to the king for redresse of all those greiv-
ances. Butt though I am in Fry day, yett lett mee goe back
a little a day and tell you a remarkeable passage in the Upper
house on Thursday : my Ld. of Canterbury moved that the
house might bee adjourned since a weeke, because the
Bishops having occasion to bee present at the convocation
could nott at such times bee there. My Ld. Say answered
that it was never knowne that the house was adjourned for
the Bishops, and if the Bishops had those occasions they
might attend them, and the Lords could sitt and goe forward
with any businesse without them. Then my Ld. Keeper
mooved that it might bee his humble request to the Lords
that the house might bee adjourned till Saterday, this day,
by reason hee found himselfe at some ill ease, which was con-
descended unto, and my Ld. Say agen reply’d and requested
that the recorde might bee made that at my Ld. Keeper’s sute
the house was adjourned.

[Gap in MS.]

Thus farre I wrote on Saterday, but because my letter would
nott goe till Munday night, and being desirous to give you an
account of as much time as I may, I have added what follows.

And first upon Saterday they did little, because they could
not agree where to begin their greivances, butt in the end
elected a Committee which is to prepare and prefere the
businesse to the house.

And these smart proceedings doe cause a murmure about
the Towne that the Parliament will dissolve, butt wee hope
nott : however wonderfulle things are about to be brought

163

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1639

forthe. On Munday they cast bones one at another all the
day, for soe Sir Peter Heyman’s phrase was, which was I
thinke contradicting one another’s opinions.

I am at this instant I am in hast to bed-ward ; my next
letter shall satisfy you more, and when I am of the house most
of all. In the meane time I am notwithstanding

Your lo: brother

Tho: Peyton

April 20 1640. Fry day

CXLIII {Draft)

HENRY OXINDEN to SIR THOMAS PEYTON
[MS. 27,999, ff. 250V, 251, 25 IV.]

[In 1609 Leeds Abbey, Kent, actually a Priory of Austin Canons,
founded by Robert de Crevecoeur in 1 1 19, was sold by one William
Covert to Sir William Meredith of Stansty, Co. Denbigh. The
fine mansion, described by Henry Oxinden, which stood three-
quarters of a mile west of Leeds Castle, has now disappeared,
all but the gate-house.

The first Sir William Meredith married Jane, daughter of Sir
Henry Palmer of Wingham : their only son, the next Sir William,
was the father of the fair Elizabeth, bride to Henry Oxinden of
Deane, as well as of four sons and five other unmarried daughters.
The precocious boy of this Letter seems to have died early. In
1758, under the will of Mrs. Susanna Meredith, the Abbey came to
Sir George Oxenden, a direct descendant of Henry and Elizabeth. 1 ]

To Sir Thomas Peyton.

Noble Sir,

I can certifie you of noe newes save that uppon the
14 day of April [1640] the wedding betweene my Cozen
Henry Oxinden and Mistris Elizabeth Meredith was solemn-
ized. I know not whether you have ever seene her or noe :
if you have not, it is not likely that you can doe it by my de-
scription, being not able to expresse the beautie of a Lady
soe faire, as I thinke Fame it selfe dares not bee soe bold to
call any fairer ; and that which makes her fairenes much the
fairer is that it is but a faire embassadour of a most faire mynd,

1 Hasted, History of Kent , vol. ii. pp. 479-482.

164

1639] CLOUDS OVER ENGLAND

full of wit and a wit more delighted to iudge itselfe then to
shew it selfe : her speech being as rare as pretious ; her
silence without sullennes ; her modesty without affectation ;
her shamfastnes without ignorance, in summe a lady of such
excellency in all guifts allotted to reasonable creatures that
one may thinke she was borne to show that nature was no
stepmother to that sexe in whom, allthough the greatest thing
the world can shew is her beautie, soe the least thing that
may bee praysed in her is her fame : but in vaine goe I about
in a definite compass to sett out infinite beauty ; [a few words
deleted here] this aforesaid wedding was kept from Thursday
till Saterday at Leedes Abbey, a house sufficiently famous for
its antiquity, it being built by Sir Robt. Crevequer, a noble-
man of Normandy and Knight to Willm. the Conqueror, in
the year of our redemption 1107, consecrated to the honour
of our Lord Jesus Christ and St. Nicholas. It was valued in
the records of the suppression at 3 6z n yearely revenewe and
of late much enlarged and beauttified by Sir William Meredith,
a man excelling in the zealous love of all his neighbours,
wherein hee doth not only pass his predecessors but I thinke
all men in that countrie, whereof the cause is [this], though hee
exceed most in vertues which get admiration, a depth of wis-
dome, a hight of courage, yet is hee notable in those which
stire affection, as truth of word, meeknes, sobriety [word ille-
gible] and liberality. This house is excellently situated, having
all commodity belonging to it, insomuch as one would thinke
that heaven and earth had conspired to make it a paradise ;
the house itselfe hath its fundation uppon a rocke of stone,
not affecting so much any extraordinary kind of finenes as an
honorable representing of a firme statelines. The lights,
doores and staires directed both to the use of the guest and to
the eye of the spectator, each roome in it both handsome and
curious, amongst which the hall and the gallerie are incom-
parable ; in short it is a house which in consideration both of
the aire, the prospect and the nature of the ground, (all
necessary additions to a great house) might welle show the
owner to know that provision is the fundation of hospitality

165

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1639

and thrift the secrett of magnificence. Not far from it are
hills which garnish their proude heights with Knolle-like
trees : humble valleys whose least estate seemeth comforted
with silver streames ; meadows enameld with all sorts of
very pleasing flowers ; thickets lined with most pleasant
shade, in which the nightingales strive one with the other
which should in most dainty variety excel one the other.
There the fresh and delightfull breezes slowly slide away, as
loath to leave the company of soe many things viewed in per-
fection, and with sweete murmure lament their forced de-
parture ; the trees seeme to maintaine their flourishing old
age with the only happines of their soule, being clothed with
a continuall spring because noe beautie there should ever
fade. The flowers by shewinge how they seem most diverse
have arrived to that perfection to surpasse each other in
beauty, each one of which would require a man's wit to know
and his life to expresse. Certainly, certainly, it must needes
be that one little lesse [than] goddesse inhabiteth the place
who is the soule of the soule, for neither is one any lesse then
a goddesse to be shrined in a heape of pleasures in soe perfect
a modell of the celestial dwelling. Here were wee inter-
tained more like Princes then servants, all the elements being
robbed of the choicest of their creatures to serve us, which
they did everie day in such abundance as wee thought that
they strived each day to excell the other in plenties and rari-
ties, but all the wishes bestowed did not so much enrich nor
all the daily devises so much delight, as the fairenes of my
coz Oxinden’s mistris, who, as she went to the Temple to bee
married, her eies themselves seemed a Temple wherein love
and beauty weare married : her lips though they were kept
close with modest silence, yet with a prety kind of naturall
swelling they seeme to invite the guests that looke on them,
her cheekes blushing, and withall when shee was spoke unto
a little smiling, were like roses when their leaves are with a
little breath stirred ; to be short no words can her perfections
tell in whose each part all joyes may dwell.

I had almost forgot to speake of the mother of this creature,

166

ELIZABETH MEREDITH, SECOND WIFE OF HENRY OXINDEN OF DEANE

(BART. 1678.)

From a portrait by Sir Peter Lely in the possession of Sir Charles Holmes.
Photographer, Donald Macbeth.

1639] CLOUDS OVER ENGLAND

(if it bee lawfull to call her a creature) whose wisdome and
partes as favorable therunto are such that they are rather
subiects of admiration then imitation, and that I doe not
hyperbolize (being against my nature to doe soe) all that know
her neighbour can testifie.

Doubtlesse if you were acquainted with her you would
judge her (and I have ever held your judgement excelent)
fitter to rule a kingdome then a private family. From her is
issued a sonne, who now being about the age of 12 yeares will
at one reading repeate any chapter in the old or newe testa-
ment which was asked, and this experto crede Henric. Verily
this were a wonder in another, though not in him, for wonders
are noe wonders proceding from a wonderfull subiect.

When I made experiment of this in him, and found him to
doe it in the Canonicall bookes, I turned him to the Apochry-
phicall (knowing hee was not much used to the reading of
them) where hee did the like, whereby I found that hee did
not this by his often reading, but mearely by the strength of
his memorie.

More I could certifie you of him, as likwise of the reste,
but time bids mee make haste to waite uppon the Lady
Palmer and the Lady Oxinden to the helpe making of a
daughter of Sir T. Peirce’s a Christian this day. I doe now
begin firmely to beleive that the Gods have noe small regard
to my words and promises, for they often take them in that
kind, and I hope they will have the same to my prayers,
which are that the Parliament may make itself and the
country soe happy as to except of you for a member of the
same, and soe in hast, vale, vale precatur

Yours to command to his power

Henry Oxinden

You show your selfe not to bee Grecarum litterarum ready
and yet out of your modesty you would not have mee take you
for a Grecian, but I wonder the lesse at it because Socrates,
who was pronounced by the Oracle at Delphos to bee the
wisest man of Greece, said Hoc solum scio quod nihil scio.
I would I had so much as the nihil of his knowledge.

167

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1640

CXLIV {Draft)

HENRY OXINDEN to JAMES OXINDEN

[MS. 27,999, f. 249]

[Sir Edward Partherich of Bridge (knighted Whitehall, July 31st,
1641) sat in Parliament for Sandwich, together with Sir Thomas
Peyton, 16 Charles I ( cf . Letter CCXXXVI, when he is present
in the House at the charges against Sir Anthony Percivall).
He married Mary Fagge, a half-sister of Lady Oxinden and sister
of Lady Proud. The “ cousin-ship ” with Henry Oxinden of
Barham was thus a very remote relationship.

About 1636 Sir Edward conveyed his house at Bridge to a
Dutch merchant Sir Arnold Braems, under whose patronage
Cornells Janssen, the portrait painter, came into the neighbour-
hood. The Partherich ’s then moved to Faversham, where Lady
Partherich had inherited property from her father, Edward
Fagge. In 1641 (Letter CCXIII) they interest themselves in
the appointment of James Oxinden to the living of Goodnestone
by Faversham, thus fulfilling Henry Oxinden’s forecast, “ if it ly
in her power to doe you any good shee will doe it, and it may soe
happen that she may doe it ”.]

To my Bro: Ja. Oxinden.

Good Brother,

I have taken order for the io 1 you have written for to
bee sent unto you. I have alsoe, now Sir Thomas Peyton is
gon to London, sent your letter to him, conceiving it the
fittest time, being there amongst his great kindred. I have
allso moved Sir James Oxinden for you, who now I beleive
will doe his best, insomuch as I am in some credible hopes ere
it be long that some thing may bee procured. My cozin
H. O. was married uppon the 14 of Apr. to Sir Wil m Mere-
dith’s daughter, to whom the Lord Cottington is unkle etc.
There was a sermon preached at the wedding, the Text was
this, I am my beloved ’s and my beloved is mine, I feede uppon
the Lillies : the sermon was but indifferent. If you will take
so much paines as to make some choice sermon uppon that
Texte (which you may well doe in loking uppon all the
authors in the university librarie uppon that text, by their
help and of some friends, as allsoe to get their help in the

168

1640] CLOUDS OVER ENGLAND

composition thereof) I will obtaine that you may preach the
said sermon at Wingham at Whitsontide, at which time the
wedding will be againe solemnized at Deane, where will bee
the same Auditors and such on whom my hopes doe depend
in preferring you : certainly the sermon if well relished may
availe much in your advancement, and shall not be knowne
but that you had verie little time to compose it. Doe not let
them who may help you in the making of it know of your
reason, etc. If you intend to come pray send mee word
thereof, you will doe well to fit your selfe at London with one
plaine sattin doublett and a paire of cloath hose ; most men,
espeacially such as have power, doe thinke themselves dis-
paraged to keepe companie with men of meane attire and
have to much regard to the superficies of men : as experientia
docet. My brother Barrow (I doubt not but) will healpe you
in the buying of them, soe as you may not be cousened in
them, and healp you to a Taylor that will make them in
fashion for you. If you send mee word what time you will
be at London, I will (if my occasions wil permit) steale up
and meete you there, which if I cannot doe, yet I would have
you send a boy over to mee when you are come to Canter-
bury, for there I have something to speake with you about
which I have not time to expresse in writing. When you
send word of the time of your being at London, mention
nothing of my coming in English, for many times my second
selfe meetes with letters are sent to mee before my first
selfe : take such order at your coming from Oxford as, if all
faile, wher I have great hopes one way or other will not, that
you may returne one halfe yeare more : as likewise that if
you returne noe more therein you may leave a good repoort
behind you. I will leave these thinges to your iudgment,
however I thought good to relate my owne opinion to you
whom I have found to bee persuaded by mee in some thinges,
and assure your selfe it hath made mee the forwarder deepely
to engage myself to some friends in whose power it is to doe
you good, which obligations will remaine uppon mee to
requite. During my being at the wedding at Leeds I met

169

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1640

with my cozin Partrich there, who told mee shee had much
enquired after you, and had heared a very good report of
you, of which I am glad ; shee s(ai)d if it ly in her power to
doe you any good shee will doe it, and it may soe happen that
she may doe it.

[April 1640]

CXLV (Draft)

HENRY OXINDEN to MR. HADNAM, THE TAILOR
[MS. 27,999, f. 254V.]

Mr. Hadnam,

I desire you that if my brother James come to you
about making him some cloathes, pray helpe him to them :
and make a noate of them and I will see you paid for them, as
likewise if hee want anythinge else. I pray keepe this en-
cloased letter for him when he comes to you, and then deliver
it unto him. Pray make them well for him and in fashion.
So with my love and remembrance unto you,

I rest

Your loving friend

Henry Oxinden

CXLVI (Draft)

HENRY OXINDEN to JAMES OXINDEN
[MS. 27,999, f. 254V.]

Good Brother,

I have according to your desire intreated Mr. Hadnam
to fitt you with apparell and other necessaries, and noe doubt
but hee will accordingly doe it for you. I thinke a plaine
sattin doublet and cloath hose will bee sufficient if you have
an indifferent cloake, for I will lend you my best for 2 or
three especiall weekes (if needs requiere) ; you have 2 paire of
bootes at my house you left when you were last in the
country ; a hatt and such other necessaries you may have at
Canterbury.

170

[Unsigned]

1640] CLOUDS OVER ENGLAND

CXLVII

SIR JAMES OXINDEN to HENRY OXINDEN
[MS. 28,000, f. 4]

[The Oxmdens were Lords of the Manor of Makinbrooke in
Herne, together with Underdown Farm in the neighbouring
hamlet of Eddington, from the reign of Elizabeth. Hasted says
at the east end of Herne parish, near Reculver, is “ a place long
known by the name of Oxinden Corner ”. 1 ]

Good Nephewe,

I have not at any time suffered more vexacion in my-
selfe then at this time that I have not wherewith to retume you
such an answeare as my wishes do desire ; so it is that lately,
according to my old wont, I went among my fewe tenants in
Hearne for my rent, where I founde so much want of mony
as I never did all dayes of my life ; tho they confessed they
were not without that was worth money, yet they protested to
me that unless they should be very great Loasers they could
not get any money for their commodities. Prithee Cosin do
not thinke but if I had in my keepinge any considerable
summe I would not have sent you so little, tho I am within
few dayes to goe for London, but if mony comes in after I
am gone I will have my wife send you parte of it ; for the
interest I wilbe willinge to be accomptable to you, for my
former occasions have brought me into a very great scarcity
of mony. So I rest

Your very affectionate uncle

James Oxinden

1. May. 1640

I have sent you but 4 11 .

1 Cf. Hasted, iii. p. 619.

I?I

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1640

CXLVIII

SIR THOMAS PEYTON tO HENRY OXINDEN
[MS. 28,000, f. 14]

Bro : OXINDEN,

I attempted to make some retribution for your long
letter, but things standing upon soe doubtfull events as
every houre seemed readie to bring forth some strange
matter, yet still with held : nott that I desired to bee the mes-
senger of any ill successes, but because I [would] nott pre-
occupie your joy about any probable good before it had the
stampe of truthe for our general contentment. Butt now I
will only say I have noe good newes to send you. Officious
fame I know hath alreadie told you what is bad, and to
sweeten that I may perhaps adde somewhat heer which you
have nott yett receivd and that is : — The speech of a gratious
and mild king, not withstanding his provocations, who re-
solved nott upon their disrespects a revenge upon his people
presently, but as a true father of his subiects would rather
choose to stroke them still, till hee had overcome their natures
and assimilated them to his owne goodnes. The words in
effect were that hee never with greater reluctation did deliver
his mind unto them and the greife hee had conceyved at the
ill-successe of this Parliament would hardly suffer him to
speak at all. The Lords hee thanked for their respects and
readines to doe him all good services, and were it nott for
some tumultuous and popular spiritts hee might have had
as good respects from the house of Commons, and therefore
would nott blame all for the faults of some particular refrac-
tiones : for the greivances soe much inculcated among them,
hee did assure them for that of religion first, hee would pre-
serve itt in its purity and truth, and have as tender a care of
the Churche as can bee required of any Christian Prince : for
monopolies and other greivances, his subjects sholde see that
hee would redresse them as well as they themselves would
have done or coold desire. And soe leaving the Royall
pleasure to bee delivered by the Lord keeper, who only said

172

1640] CLOUDS OVER ENGLAND

It is his Ma ties pleasure this Parliament bee dissolved. The
Commons left the house full of heavinesse ; and soe was this
great counsell dissolv’d, because it was soe long a resolving.
And now some say wee are where wee were, but I thinke wee
are worse ; for what greivances so ever the subjects thought
themselves molested with, and therefore would resist ’em, this
striving with the king could bee thought butt the Act of
private men, till now it is in Parliament made the Act of the
third Estate ; And ther I thinke the king suffers in the honor
of his government among neighbouring Princes, who may
privately rejoyce to see distractions breede in soe flourishing
a kingdom, of which the whole world grew jealous dayly,
butt now will perhaps lay aside those feares, when it is dis-
covered at what disagreement hee is with his owne people ;
and for this cause itt had beene better the Parliament had
never beene : for before it could nott butt bee thought our
king, had a poscit command in his people, and certainely with
a little more continuance of those annuall charges, hee might
have so habituated the Country, especially had it beene
managed with equallity, that hee might have established his
owne greatnes for ever. Butt as the case is what is to bee
done. Why this, since wee will nott give, the king must
take, for if it bee lawfull for any man, to save his life, to take of
any other’s bread or meate, then I thinke the king may use
the goods of his subjects, nolentibus volentibus, as he may
their particular and private persons, for the conservation of
the more universall and generall good ; and the nature of
good which wise men call Dutie is to bee preferred before
that nature of good which is called virtue, because it con-
duceth to the conservation of a more generall forme. Butt
these and other matters of state I will not dive into, though I
cannott meete with any man butt knowes what will become
of these things ; soe inspird are the more zealous, soe ready
to execute mischeife are the souldiers, soe provident are
worldly successes, and generally soe wise are become the
Commons, having received a diffusive knowledge from the
dispersed house. The king of Spaine offers to lend the king

173

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1640

300,ooo u , and I had rather hee should take from his subjects
then borrow upon Spanish conditions. But because I have
now some [MS. defaced] performe, I must dissolve soe this
letter and rest

Your very lo: brother

London May 6. 1640 Tho: Peyton

CXLIX

SIR THOMAS PEYTON to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 28,000, f. 16]

Bro: Oxinden,

Lambeth hath these 3 dayes beene guarded by trained
bands, and my Lord of Canterbury beene soe long an inhabi-
tant of Whitehall ; some pieces of ordnance are drawne
thither alsoe to defend the place against any outrage threatened
by the prentices ; some 600 came thither two nights agoe,
butt the Archbishop was gone ; and they went back all agen
butt 11 or 12 who are putt in the Gate house. It is indeed
reported that the Archbishop was the chiefe cause of breaking
the Parliament, which report hath thus resolved a furious
multitude to doe some mischeife it seems. The king is very
pensive alsoe, and the Lords’ heads and wisedomes were
never soe putt to it to sodder all matters since the dissolution.
The troopers doe committt many outrages in their passage,
as firing of townes, ravishing of women (which others of the
sexe would perhaps call courtesy of souldjers, as it is the end
of all complement and observances at Courte), stealing or
violent saking ; which is a presage of much future disorder.
Death’s harbinger, the sword, famine and other plagues that
hang over us are ready to swallow up the wicked age. And
because to bee miserable in a strange place is some heighten-
ing of misfortune, I meane by the grace of God to expect at
Knolton, reckoning from next weeke, what I am to suffer
in my cecunomicall government or state in this fiery declina-
tion of the world. ^

Lver yours

London .

May 14. 1640

174

Tho: Peyton

1640] CLOUDS OVER ENGLAND

CL

SIR THOMAS WILSFORD to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 28,000, f. 18]

[Sir Thomas Wilsford of Ueden (Uding) 1 , on the summit of the
North Downs in Kingston parish, belonged to a distinguished
family. His father, Sir Thomas, was a soldier of renown under
Queen Elizabeth, fought in France and Flanders and superin-
tended military works of various kinds in England : his uncle,
Sir James, was Provost-Marshal of the English Army and
Governor of Haddington during the protracted siege in 1548 ;
his aunt Cecily, married Edwin Sandys, Archbishop of York.

Sir Thomas himself was M.P. for Canterbury in 1625. He
married Elizabeth, eldest daughter of Sir Edwin Sandys, the
author of Europce Speculum . Their eldest daughter Frances,
was probably the “ Lady Baker ” of Letters CXCV et seq.]

Noble Sir,

I doe here retume unto yow the writing you left with
me ; for which I thanke you : the other I sent back to your
kinsman the same day I rec. it : some speetche there is of
a New Parliament to settell these disturbances. Libells are
frequent in London. Order and warrants from Lieu:
Courtupp are sent foorth to wame this Company to be att
Bridge Hill uppon Tuesday the 26 of this moneth. Per-
adventuer it will be presed there that somme of the company
must surrender their armes, as they did last yeare, and soe
loose them as they did. But if they be wise they will keep
them to defend the King and Kingdom against forrain
enemyes and the Poapische faction which grows twoe
insolent. Desiring to salute Mrs. Oxinden, and yourselfe
with the true respect of

Your faithfull frend to serve you

Tho: Wilsford

Ilding May 17. 1640

1 The D.N.B. has incorrectly “ Hedding ” ; see Art : Wilford or
Wilsford, Sir James.

I 7S

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1640
CLI

THOMAS BARROW to HENRY OXINDEN
[MS. 28,000, f. 2l]

[I Samuel, viii. is the chapter in which Israel demands a King and
Samuel foretells the disasters which will consequently befall the
nation. No doubt political capital was made of the incident in
some Puritan leaflet.]

Lovinge Brother,

I have used the best art and skill I have in procuringe
off those bookes you writt for, such of them as I could gett
I have sent, as King James his works, which is not onely
very scarce but very deare, for it cost 30 sgs. I have also
sent Cornelius Tacitus and Justine. Dionisius Hilicamassus
is not in Inglish, neither could I gett itt in the originall, but
in latin I could have had itt. Spondanus I had almost bar-
ganed for, but another bookseller told mee that ther is
another edition in twoe volumes and I thought to give you
notice of itt before I bought itt ; a lexicon I could gett none
of the last Edition, and for a book of any of those verses of
the 8 Samuell I cannott heare off anyone, I was almost
afrayed to aske for such a booke in these times. I pray
remember my duty to my Mother and tell [her] I have sent
the knotts and iff shee like them nott they shall be taken
againe, and I cannott get a gilt bodkin. My wife will goe
nere to bring another guest to my mother whoe I doe pre-
sume shall be very welcome to her, by name Mr. Addam
Oxinden, but my hast will permit me only to remember my
respect and service to you and to my frends with you, and
here rest

Your truly loving brother att comand

Thomas Barrow

June 18 th 1640

176

1640] CLOUDS OVER ENGLAND

CLII

HENRY OXINDEN OF DEANE to HENRY OF BARHAM
[MS. 28,000, f. 43]

[“ There were altogether seven Disga veiling Acts of Parliament,
the last being in 1624 : the bill to which Henry Oxinden refers in
this letter seems not to have matured,

Robinson on Gavelkind (p. hi) points out that, as none of the
Disgavelling Acts contained any schedule or description of the
properties disgavelled, it very soon became impossible to prove the
identity of any particular parcel of land as being disgavelled land.
The abolition in spite of its general wording was judicially con-
strued to abolish only the equal partition among the heirs and not
the other incidents of the custom.”]

Cozen,

There is a busines my father did nott impart to you,
thinking hee should have seen you in the morning ere you
went ; it is about Gavelkind Land, there is a bill now pre-
ferring in parliament concerning the taking off of that teneur,
which if you desire, you may putt your name in the bill with
many other Kentish gentlemen for the effecting of the same.
My father would have you advise with M st Den about this
busines and gett his opinion in writting, in which charge I
will ioyne with you, intending to alter that teneur of all the
Land I have if faisible, and will goe together with you in this
busines ; my [father] hath often heare you wish you could
alter itt, and therefore advertisheth you, and hee desires you
would returne this way and lett him know what you have don
herein, where he promisheth you hartie welcome and so doth
Your affectionate Kinsman

Henry Oxinden

Pray speake not to old Jull about my meeting him for I
intend nott to fayle to meet you att the Beacon a coursing on
Munday morning att eight of the clock. Tell my brother
Masters the journey holds to his house on thursday.

M

177

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1640

CLIII

SIR THOMAS PEYTON to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 28,000, f. 25]

[The “ deceased friend and neighbour ” of Sir Thomas’s post-
script, as letters not published here show, was Henry Sandys,
eldest son of Sir Edwin Sandys of Northbourne ; he m. Margaret,
da. of Sir William Hammond of St. Albans ]

Bro: Oxinden,

When wee meet a coursing in the Territories of our
noble friend ; which since I have called my Adventure, (for
a recreation it was noe more than the Expedition of Phaeton
through the Zodiaque, where terors were all his discovery or
observation) ; you may remember beyond some certayn hills
where the world ends for mee I did loose these paire of
Tercets I now send you. But why it pleased that whole
nation of Judges to sentence mee a Loser I thinke is not
extant in any forme of reason. Although it was to mee great
happines I escaped soe well ; not thinking til then there had
bin such danger in my beloved sport of Coursing. But lie
stand to my first intentions only for this time of paying the
Gurdon and Palme of your dog’s activity, which like lightning
it seemes he did soe performe that seene hee could not bee,
either for the rapidnes of the motion or interposition of some
certaine mountaines, with good authors held to bee the better
opinion. And soe advising you nott too rashly to adorne the
neck of your triumpher (ordained for an other kind of dresse
surely) with this rich carcanet, least some covetous knave bee
putt to the paines of stealing your dog for the Collar’s sake,
I rest

Augt . 1640

Your loving brother and friend

Thomas Peyton

Upon Thursday next, about 9 a clocke in the morning, you
shall meete the freinds of our deceased freind and neighbour,
about to waite on his body to Northbourne, or on that way
wards.

178

1640] CLOUDS OVER ENGLAND

CLIV

MARGARET, LADY OXINDEN OF DEANE,
to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 28,000, f. 47]

Good Nephew,

I am very sorry to hear that my Neece is so ill still, but
shuch is the Nature of this kind of sikneses that I am veryly
perswayd it is not in the powr of any phisition to alter ; they
are the helpes of natur which if thay be to beisi prove the
destriors. Natur helps her self by the cof that my cosin hath
which desier her to bear with as much cherfullnes as she may.
I send her heer an oyntmen which I desire her to anoynt her
forhed with when she goeth to bead and take this Cordiall to
procur rest. I dare not go beyond a Cordiall whear ther is so
much illness butt this pray her to be confidend the queene
may take at my hands. I will make her a tisain to morow and
send her to eas the paynfullnes of her coff, which you shall
have sent you by to or thre of the clok, so praying god to send
her ese I am

Your afectionat Ant

M. O.

CLV

SIR THOMAS PEYTON to HENRY OXINDEN

[Capel Cure MSS.]

[Anne Oxinden died August 28th, 1640.]

[Endorsed. To my brother Oxinden of Denton soone after the
deathe of his wife about Sept. 1640.]

If writing have more poure with you then speaking I
should bee glad to have found this way to obtaine my re-
quest. And therefore I doe once more desire you to give soe
muche testimony of affection to the memory of your de-
ceased wife, soe muche satisfaction to her surviving friends,
on whose care it must bee to have equall iustice done her in
this uncertaine worlde which shee hath lefte, as to settle on
youre unblameable son 140 1 per annum and to give your

179

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1640

guiltlesse doughters 300 1 a peice presently, which may growe
to bee fitt portions by that time they growe to bee fitt wives.
I have nott served my request too highe, because I would nott
seeme to limit the benefitt they shall receive further [than] by
your goodnesse and greatnesse of your naturall affection. It
is enough for mee that I have made it modest and reasonable
and having these qualities I must nott doubt of a denyall.
And lett nott the thought of keeping mee in your observance
make you incline nott hastily to grant what I desire, for as I
know I cannot thinke of any ends can make mee servile, yett
to you that are at this time master of my requestes I can
intreate this favour in the name of a Petitioner, with great and
faithfull conceptions of acknowledgments. And therefore
by your presence I pray lett mee receive some satisfaction
without ambiguous termes, which are nott to bee used in
expressions of true and reall meanings. And this is the way
nott to suspend that alliance and freindship which you have
yett in good seisine and possession from

Your very lo: brother

Tho: Peyton

CLVI

SIR JAMES OXINDEN to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 28,000, f. 27]

Good Nephew,

I cannot see but that you have returned a good
answeare, to which if any reply should followe I would have
you persist and stand it out untill your time of mouminge be
over ; and then se what you shall do in that kinde (as things
stand at this present) let it flowe from your owne free choice
and the affeccion you bore the deceased, without any other
respect whatsoever. It will not be amiss for you to be very
cautious what you write, for words written continue, some-
times, to stand as a testimony against theire master, be it by
way of deniall or complyinge with the petitioner’s request,
seeinge I so finde it written. It shall not be longe e’er I see

180

THOMAS, ONLY SON OF HENRY OXINDEN OF BARHAM
From a portrait probably by Cornells Janssen in the possession of Miss M. B Slater
Photographer, B. & W. Fisk-Moore, Canterbury,

1640] CLOUDS OVER ENGLAND

you. I am very sorry to heere my nephewe James is so ill.
So I rest

Your affectionate uncle

4 Sept . 1640 James Oxinden

be confident I will keepe all safe.

CL VI I

JAMES OXINDEN to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 28,000, f. 10]

Loving Brother,

It is reported of the Swan that shee sends forth most
pleasant songs when hir death approcheth : as Ovid saith

Sic ubi fata vocant udis abiectus in herbis

Ad vada Maeandri concinit albus olor. 1

It is a common saying that the words of a dying Freind
arre so imprinted in the harts of the hearers that they make
him live that is dead, and why should not the words not
onely of a dying Freind but allsoe of a dying Brother imprinte
something into you which may cause mee after death to live
a second life in your memory. O then how behoulding
should I bee to death, whoe can make mee to live whoe have
beene soe long buried in the grave of oblivion. Trulie for
my one part I not long since was so infacted with the Small
Pox that I did verily think I should have never writ unto you
againe, being soe sore troubled with them that for the space
of 3 weekes I did very little stirre out of my bed, which every
weeke did stand mee in at least seven shillings a weeke, beeside
Physick which in all hath stood mee in at the least 30s. But
weere this all I should have the lesse reason to complaine, but
one sicknes comming in the neck of a nother hath soe
weakned and put my body out of frame that it is death for
mee to live (or if I may borrow the Comeck phraise)

Centum patior neces dum verior unam.

1 Ovid, Heroides , Ep. vii. 2.

181

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1640

Trulie I doe verily thinke that I shall not goe out of my
chamber this long time : perhaps not at all, which is more
likely, being troubled with a burning feaver : wherefore I
desire you that you would perform one curtesie (it may bee
the last) viz. to send mee as soone as possible you can 40s
shillings. I protest unto you that I have not more than 8s
left : and had I not given my Tutor 30 s to pay for my Com-
mons and Sising, I should not have known what to have done.
I can make you account of the Moneys I had of you, viz.
6 U , where of my iourney cost mee 20 s ; 18 s and 6 d my Detre-
ments whilst I was in the Cuntry ; my Tutor had 30s of mee
and the Carrier had 10 : after a complaint that hee could
have none of you. Truly I did persuade myselfe that you
would have paide it, because you made mee set them downe ;
which had I not assurd myself I would not have troubled
you : neither would I, but that he was soe earnest : for my
(?) I cannot possible pay him, for if I give him 20s a quarter I
must goe naked myself, and since I have beene sick it hath
cost mee above 30s and likely it is to cost mee more. But I
will not trouble you by molesting of my self. . . .

[Rest of letter fragmentary.]

[Endorsed] Sent it him. H. O.

CLVIII

THOMAS BARROW to HENRY OXINDEN
[MS. 28,000, f. 91]

Lovinge Brother,

I have nowe sent those books you wrote for, onely one
which is nott to be had. What newes here is I have here
inclosed ; onely here was a pritty passage which I thought
not amisse to write. Doctor Ducke, Chancellor for the Bishop
off London, visited yesterday att St. Lawrence for some part
of the Citty, when all the ministers, church wardens and side
men were cited to sweare to those Articles which the Bishop
of London sett forth ; and when the Canceller had [made] a
leamard speech, he demanded the Churchwardens and side-

182

1640] CLOUDS OVER ENGLAND

men to take the oath, butt they all with one consentt cryed
noe, upon which the pariter told them thatt soe many as
denyed to take the oath were all puritan Curs, which they
tooke very ill, butt being in the Church, they gave noe ill
answere butt fell all a hissinge ; which made a great hubbub,
in the midle of which hubbub one wag amongst them cryed
outt, a madd Oxe, upon which the whole Company, the Chan-
cellor with the rest, betooke them to ther heeles, and gote into
and over the pues as if they themselves had bene madd, and
after they had bestired themselves a while, ther cries outt
another thatt it was not a madd Ox but a mad Bull, which
words made such an uprore in the Church that made the
Chancellor give over his enterprise, and was forced to send for
the Sheriffe of London for his security, but the pariter for his
sawcy speeches was sent to the Counter, where I beleve he
still is ; other newes I have nott, I cannot gett the Citty
petion (sic) nor the ministers 5 , but they have bene graciously
used by his Ma:. My partner and I are nowe parted, we
divided our wares one Tuesday and he is gone from mee.
Thus in very great hast, with my true love to you, my duty to
my mother and my love to the rest of my frends
I rest

Your truely lovinge brother at comand

Tho: Barrow

[Conjectural date September 1640]

CLIX

THOMAS BARROW to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 28,000, f. 56]

Lovinge Brother,

1 If hereafter 2 or 3 monthes hence it may lye in

your way to help mee too ioo u or 2 thatt I might have for 6
or 12 months, paying interrest for itt, you shall doe mee a reall
curtesy to help mee too itt. I have beene and am att this
time exceeding full of busines because of newe furnishing

1 Sixteen lines dealing with money transactions omitted.

183

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1640

my shop ; I praise God I have nowe a house of my owne to
bid you welcome too and I shall be happy to see you here.
Here is not any newes that I here, but indeed I have not had
time to enquire after any ; but such things as I can here as yett
I send you ; but of this Enclosed you must be very carefull of
the shewing, but Sir James Oxinden may see it and if you
think convenient Mr. Aldye and Mr. Swann. Come begins
nowe to beare a greate Rate, I payd this weeke 6/8 a bushell,
and a freind of mine living 1 5 miles from London told mee it
was 6/6 last week in ther Markett. This is all the newes I
have, and thus with my owne and my wives our true respects
to you, our duties to my mother and our loves to the rest of

our f rends, in great hast I rest

Your truly loving brother att Comand

r , 0 o6m , Tho: Barrow

London : 8 : 8 6m 1640

CLX

SAME tO SAME

[MS. 28,000, f. 58]

Lovinge Brother,

Such things as comes to my hand I send you, I dare
not persuade you to beleeve the truth of this enclosed paper
butt you may read and suspend your judgement and as others
take occasion by itt. To discourse of the Scottish affayers, wee
have it here reported and confidently affirmed that there is a
peace concluded with the scots, and that both the Kinge and
the scots have refferred their busines to be setled by the
parliament and thatt the king hath engaged himselfe to pro-
tect noe man, butt that he will leave every man to stand upon
his owne bottome, and thatt the deputy leutennant off Ireland
is in disgrace, and the L rds Brooks etc, which were noe courtiers
nor beloved, are become the onely favourites ; this is all I
heare for newes. ... 1

Your truly loving brother att Command

Lrnion 22 ‘. 8“ ,640. Th0MAS

1 Some lines about Adam Jull’s money affairs omitted.

184

1640] CLOUDS OVER ENGLAND

CLXI — CLXIII

[“ Dr. Cousins ” of the following letters is John Cosin (1594-1672),
later Bishop of Durham, a personal friend of Laud and of Walter
Montague (Letter CCXXVII). The publication of his Collection of
Private Devotions in 1626-27 made him “ the subject of every
man’s censure ”, for they were found to contain “ popery in dis-
guise He became still further embroiled with the puritan
party because of the leading share he had taken in the ornamenta-
tion of Durham Cathedral, “ setting it out gayly with strange
Babylonish ornaments For this he was attacked in the pulpit
by one of the prebendaries, Peter Smart. Smart was cited before
a commission of the chapter, including Cosin himself, and sus-
pended : years later he took his revenge. In 1640 (the same time
at which Cosin became Dean of Peterborough) he presented to
the House of Commons the petition described by James Oxinden,
complaining of Cosin’s “ superstitious and popish innovations
in the church of Durham ” and of his own prosecution. Cosin
was sequestered from all his ecclesiastical preferments and was
thus “ the first victim of puritanical violence who suffered by a
vote of the Commons

His fellow-sufferer, “ another of the same Coate ”, was Dr.
William Beale, master of St. John’s College, Cambridge : James
Oxinden as a member of that College preferred perhaps to
“ forget ” his name.

Richard Kilvert (Letter CLXII) d. 1649, a proctor in the Pre-
rogative Court at Canterbury, had earned notoriety as an informer
in the Star Chamber proceedings against John Williams, Bishop of
Lincoln. The Long Parliament arraignment of November 1640
resulted from his shady transactions with Alderman Abell in
connection with the Vintners’ Company, for whom he inveigled
a monopoly of wines in return for a reward of £1,000. In May
1641 the Commons ordered a bill to be prepared “ to declare
the offence of Alderman Abell and Richard Kilvert to the end
that they may be made exemplary Kilvert was at liberty in

1643 - 1 ]

1 Dictionary of Nat. Biog . : art. Cosin and Kilvert.

185

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1640
CLXI

JAMES OXINDEN to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 28,000, f. 60]

Good Brother,

I receiv’d your Letter wherein you would have mee
sende you downe the speeches of the Parlament which I have
labored (ever since my aboade in London) to procure but
cannot ; I spake to my Brother Barrow, and hee hath promised
mee to sende you some of them and I beleive my uncle
Oxinden will bee in Kent about the ende of the next weeke
whoe will furnish you with them all. Newes heere is not
much stirringe and what is I doubt not but you are allreadie
acquainted with all. The latest is the stabbinge of the
Justice of Peace goeinge up to deliver the names of the Papist
recusants inhabitinge about Westminster, which newes did
much astonish the Parlament (as matters of that nature com-
monly doe) everie man thinkinge his the next, and I heare that
there shall be a strickt gard about the Parlament howse.
His Ma tie was much incenst at it and sent to them of the
Parlament to punish him in the most rigorous manner, which
punishment is as yet deferd in the expectation of the death of
the forenamed Justice. The executioner of this bloodie Act
was a cuntrie man of ours, a knight’s sonne, one Mr. James,
some saye a Jesuit, others a madman, other a discontented ;
noe doubt but God had a greate hand in it to make them more
cautelous of greater dangers by this. There was much talke
of breakinge up of the Parlament but that is leaft thanks bee
to God and they goe on verie cherefully and curragiously.
And uppon condition of the continuance of it there are a
hundred of the lower house have ingaged themselves for a
thowsand pounds a man to furnish his maiesties present
necessities. The 1 Lord Deputie was called to the Parlament
one Wednesday where there was 7 Articles all tendinge to
treason obiected against him, what they are as yet I heare not,
but I suppose of verie greate consequence because hee is

1 “ My ” crossed through.

186

1640] CLOUDS OVER ENGLAND

removed from his former Custodie to the Tower ; very shortly
wee shall heare of either the standinge or fall of him. Doctor
Cousins is allsoe comitted to the black rod and wee dayly
expect his triall, I doe not as yet heare the obiections agst
him and there is a nother of the same Coate (whose name I
have forgot) perticipats with him in the same sauce ; the
Immages they saye which hee had set up in his Church are
brought up to the parlament and I beleive the settinge up
of them will bee his pullinge downe. The Bishop of Link-
coin is out of the Tower and is restor’d with much applause
to his former dignities and was met (as it were in triumph)
both by most of the upper and lower house. I heard saye
that the Bishop of Canterburie hath invited him to dinner,
but I doe not perceive that invitation should bee much well-
come to him whoe had before receivd soe manie bones to
knawe. There is noe news stirringe either conceminge the
B: of Canterburie or the Lord Cottington : conceminge the
Lord Keeper I heare that Judge Crooke hath put in a bill
ag st him for threatninge him if hee would not consent to the
payment of Ship moneys, which is generally though [t] will
bee a greate blot to him, but I hope the best. There is a
talke that all the Bishops have run themselves unto a pro-
minence by there last session called the holy senod and will
suffer for thes. This is all the news I can gather of others.
Conceminge myselfe there is but little and my hopes are
lesse. I have not as yet beene with my Lord’s chaplaine, by
reason that the Ladie Palmer does not as yett knowe whether
it bee a custome at the inroulinge of names to give the chaplen
a fee, of which I shall bee certified one Saturdaye. Mistris
Moyle whome I should have visited according to my Ladies
Oxinden’s commands is not in London. I have verie curtious
and noble promises from the Ladie Palmer but I feare they
are to late. Your commands you laye uppon mee to goe to
Oxford I am verie willing to obey, but this I must desire of
you before my journey, that you would furnish mee with
io 11 more, for I am indebted there some moneys of which
I promised payment at my return : this desiringe to heare from

187

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1640

you as soone as you possible can, for I am allreadie sick of
london. I rest

Your truly lovinge and truely

affectionat Brother

From London Novemb . 27 James Oxinden

1640

[Note by H. O.]

Left this io 1 with my Cozin Paul Pettit Dec. 5, 1640, to
bee returned unto him in all hast.

CLXII

THOMAS BARROW to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 28,000, f. 62]

Loving Brother,

I have received your letter and am glad to heare of
your good health, with the healthes of the rest of my frends
with you. For newes here, much talke and many men
questioned and many more will be and severely punished
alsoe, and they have begunn with the Cheife, for they have
the last night sent the leiuetennent off Ireland to the tower,
and upon Wednesday next which is his day of tryall, they
will I beleve condeme his neck to the hatchett, and soone
after him I beleve some of his comrayds to the halter, as
Kilvert etc. For the speeches, I will gett all I cann and send
them by my brother James ; Doctor Cosens is in a Sergeant
at Armes hands and he will Cosen the whole house if he
scapes a hanginge sentence, and yett I am perswaded he will
doe itt, for he hath very well cleared himselfe of all busines
save one, of which I am perswaded he is nott guilty, neither
can be proved, and if he comes off soe as I beleve he will, itt
will be much admired, for he hath as many enemies as any
man would wish him have. ... 1

Your truly loving brother att Command

London 2j th g bri8 1640

Thomas Barrow

1 Adam Jull’s debts omitted.
188

1640] CLOUDS OVER ENGLAND

CLXIII

THOMAS BARROW to HENRY OXINDEN
[MS. 28,000, f. 70]

Loving Brother,

1 Other speeches I can gett none, neither is there much
newes onely this, Doctor Cosens is this day released, onely
goes under Bayle and is Bayled by twoe members off the
house, Sir William Penniman and Docter Eden ; lickwise
Doctor Lafield is bayled by 2 Captaines of his parish, but that
which is nott a litle wondered att, Kilvert is alsoe under Bayle,
and this is this dayes worke ; but one thing I had almost for-
gott, Sir George Cutclife hath, this night is, come in and
submitted himselfe to the house, and he hath taken the
lodgings of one off the former three. More newes here is
not any. I pray remember my duty to my mother, and my
love to my sister Elizabeth and Mr. Aldredge, Mr. Swan
and the rest, and soe with my true Respects and Service to
you in hast I rest

Your truly loving brother ever at command

Thomas Barrow

Lo: 3 d io bns 1640

CLXIV

ADAM OXINDEN to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 28,000, f. 64]

Most Lovinge Brother,

My humble servis remembred unto you, hopinge that
you are in good health I would intreat you that you would
bee pleased to send that littell mony which is due to my
master, for my master giveth over at Christmas. 2 Wherfore
I would intreate you that you would not take it unkindly for

1 Adam Jull’s debts omitted.

2 Adam had already asked for this money in the preceding August.

189

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1640

makinge so bould with you as puttinge you in minde of it, in
hast i rest

Your ever lovinge brother to command

Adam Oxinden

Decent. 4 th 1640

1

s.

d.

2 dozen \ of rich gold and silver poynts :

02

: 10

: 00

1 yd quarter scarlet edg rib on the same :

00

: °3

: 06

1 pr of scarlet gold and silver frindg gloves :

01

: 00

: 00

I pr of whit :

f of gold and silver ribon :

00

: 02

: 00

4 yd of flower gold and silver ribon :

00

: 08

: 00

1 pr of gold and silver frindge gloves :

00

; 11

: 06

The iust summ is 4 1 : 15 s :

04

: 15

: 00

CLXV

HENRY OXINDEN OF DEANE to HENRY OF BARHAM

[MS. 28,000, f. IOl]

Cozen,

My father, my mother, my wife and myselfe doe
earnestly and hartilie invite you to Dene to keepe your whole
Christmas, and doe desire that you would neither denie nor
delay your suddain comming, our request being so reason-
able, you being neither tide to wife nor familie nor enter-
tainement of neighbours.

I thanke you for sending my greyhound and for your
manie other courtesies, which leave them till I see you or have
an occasion to expresse how much I am

Your affectionate cosen and obliged frend

Henry Oxinden

CLXVI

EDWARD SWAN to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 28,000, f. 74]

[“ Cosin Hammon ” was Anthony, son of Sir William Hammond ;
he married Mary, da. of Sir Dudley Digges. Anthony's mother,

190

1640] CLOUDS OVER ENGLAND

Elizabeth, Lady Hammond, married as her second husband
Dr. Balcan quail. The family of Hamon or Hammond had
resided at St. Albans* Court, Nonington, since the reign of
Henry VIII. The Burgess for Dover in succession to Sir Peter
Hey man was Benjamin Weston.]

My Kinde Freind,

I thanke you for your kinde letter of thanks. I know
not how to salute you with any new accorrances. Though
my Cosin Hammon, our naighbor, be last night come home,
who I guesse by some passages I have this day heard will
stand to be burgesse for Dover. Sir Paeter Heyman they
say is dead. Only this he to day, after our sermon was don,
towld me, that my lord Deputy corns within a weeke to his
tryall, except as is supposed, parliament will give him a longer
tyme But it is concluded of all hands he cannot answeare
his accusations without life. The Jesuits is thought shall be
banished upon the king’s promis to proclayme the departure of
all other Preists and jesuites upon danger of the law provided
in the case. Also that my lord Keper’s and the judges’
charge is preparinge with all speede. As likewise against
the Archbishopp who is thought will be found very deepe in
Capitall Crymes. And soe with my love and servis to your-
selfe and to all our other my good frends with you, I rest in
great hast

Your assured freind and most affectionate

Ed: Swan

7 Feb. 1640

CLXVII

MARGARET, LADY OXINDEN OF DEANE, to
HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 28,000, f. 66]

Good Cosin,

I am exceding sory my sister Oxinden is so ill : I will
not fayell to visit her so sone as I can posible ; in the mene
time I have sent her a water for wind that I have found very
excellent efects of : I desire her to take it with shuger, a

191

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1640

spoonfull of the water filled full of shuger and so rather
cay it then drink it. I send her allso a powder which I wold
have her take in a litel beer or posit, which she likes best, as
much as will ly a pon 3d. will be enuf at a time, that or the
water may be taken at any tim when she is ill. She may take
this water with heat as other hot water is takin, so wishing her
health and you all hapines I rest

Your afectionat frend and Ant

Marg: Oxinden

Dean the 14
1640

CLXVIII

THOMAS BARROW to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 28,000, f. 76]

Lovinge Brother,

I understand by my Cosen Dallison that my mother is
very sick, and itt makes mee feare thatt she is worse then I
hope in God shee is, because I heare nott off you this weeke.

I pray remember mine with my wife our duties to her, and
desire her prayers for us and ours, and we shall nott cease to
offer up our continuall prayers unto Allmighty God for the
restoringe of her former health, and thatt itt would please
God to give her patience to endure with patience whatever
he shall be pleased to lay upon her ; what newes here is, the
berer heroff, Sir James Oxinden, can fully satisfy you, and
soe with the remembrance of my true respect and service to
you and to my sister Elizabeth, I rest

Your truly loving brother ever att command

Thomas Barrow

London xSth Feb . 1640

192

PART V. 1641 (May to November)
KATHERINE CULLING

Kate, my deare Kate, thou art so faire and wise
As only thee I love, and highly prize.

Thy bright browne haire, faire forehead, starlike eies
Have not their matches underneath the skies ;

I never saw such damaske cheekes beefore,

Nor cherry lips, smooth chin, nor ever more
Expect the like, thee therefore I adore.

{Lines addressed to Katherine Culling by
Henry Oxinden)

The Letter-writers (in italics ) and their Circle. Part V
introduces :

The Bishop of Rochester — Dr. John Warner.

Sir William Brockman of Beechborough.

Captain (afterwards Sir Anthony) Percivall of Archcliffe Fort,
Dover, and Denton Court.

The Cullings of South Barham

James Culling (d. 1638), m. Marie Allen, a niece of Matthew
Parker, Archbishop of Canterbury.

His daughters :

Mary (b. 1610), m. Captain Denwood.

Leah (b. 1618), m. Michael Huff am, Curate of Kingston.

Ellen (b. 1621), m. Thomas Wood.

Katherine (b. Feb. 26th, 1624), m. Henry Oxinden of Barham.
The Lady Baker, wife of Sir Thomas Baker.

INTRODUCTORY

1 . Public Events

Henry Oxinden of Deane, writing “ from in my bed this
morning ”, announces the news of Strafford’s execution on May
12th, 1641. To one person at least, Mr. Taylor, a member of
Parliament, the sentence appears to be a judicial murder (Letter
N 193

THE OXINDEN LETTERS

CLXXI). The inclusion of Lord Cottington’s name in the
articles of impeachment against Strafford, Laud, and several of
the bishops and judges is of personal interest to the Oxindens, as
he is uncle by marriage to Elizabeth Meredith, wife of Henry of
Deane (Letter CLXXIV).

News of the Tonnage and Poundage Bill, which received the
King’s assent June 22nd, 1641, is conveyed by Sir Thomas Peyton
to his constituents of the important port of Sandwich (Letter
CLXXII).

John Warner, Bishop of Rochester, describes a brawl in the
House of Lords between Lord Mowbray, the Earl of Arundel’s
heir, and the Lord Chamberlain, Philip Herbert, Earl of Pem-
broke, who forfeited thereby his staff of office (Letter CLXXVIII).

Rumour foretells the King’s journey to Scotland ; he departs
thither, via Berwick, on the 10th of August, after the confirmation
of the long delayed Scottish treaty. The Queen, at the request
of a Parliamentary deputation, agrees to abandon her visit to the
Spa for her health. On the 12th of August she escorts her
mother, the French Queen, Marie de’ Medicis, to the sea-coast,
after an official scene of farewell with the more loyal of the Lords.
The Oxindens are present at Queen Marie’s court held at St.
Augustine’s Palace, and pay their respects to her and her pet dogs
as she crosses the Downs to Dover (Letters CLXXXI,
CLXXXIIIa, CLXXXIV).

Early in November 1641, the Commons vote 2,000 English
troops to be sent at once to Ireland to suppress the Rebellion.
Richard Oxinden applies for employment and even James, who is
now in holy orders, wishes to accompany the Irish expedition as
a preacher (Letters CXCVIII and CXCIX).

Petitions in favour of the continuance of Episcopacy are cir-
culated in the Canterbury inns by the Cathedral Clergy ; “ some
did set their hands . . . others refuse ” (Letter CXCIX). This
was doubtless in connection with the Grand Remonstrance.

2. Domestic Affairs

In spite of growing unrest and a constant eagerness for tidings,
our squires still pursue their sport of foxhunting. Thomas
Barrow has in hand the affairs of his youngest brother-in-law,
Adam ; Sir Thomas Peyton meets Adam on the Old Exchange
and finds him grown out of knowledge (Letter CLXXV), The
lad suddenly leaves the Exchange, and Barrow has much trouble
in finding him a new employer (Letter CLXXXII). Henry of
Barham’s friends try to draw him from his widowed home into

194

[1641] KATHERINE CULLING

their congenial society (Letter CLXXVI). He enters into a
brisk correspondence with the Bishop of Rochester about the
reparation of farm buildings at Barham Rectory, which he holds
on lease (Letter CLXXIX). Mrs. Oxinden is greatly disturbed
about her son Adam’s future (Letter CLXXXIV). She rails
against Mr. Brooks and Thomas Barrow defends him (Letter
CLXXXV, etc.). Permission is given Adam to go to sea (Letter
CXCI). Vincent Denne disdains the infection of smallpox (Letter
CLXXXIX). Henry Oxinden intercedes with his neighbour,
Robert Bargrave of Bifrons, on behalf of Goodwife Gilnot, accused
of witchcraft (Letter CXCIII). His ward, Katherine Culling, goes
to London with Lady Baker (Letter CXCIV et seq.). Henry en-
lists the help of his aunt and uncle and of Elizabeth Dallison to
persuade Katherine to return home to South Barham. This at
last she does, after sundry mysterious adventures and an offer of
marriage, and is interviewed by her guardian (Letter CCIII).
Henry inclines to melancholy and feels he shall be “ forced to get
another Mistris ” (Letter CXCIX). He confides a secret to
Elizabeth and commissions her to furbish up his wardrobe
(Letter CCVIII). He declines to stand godfather to Mrs. Bar-
row’s new daughter (Letter CCVII).

CLXIX

HENRY OXINDEN OF DEANE to VINCENT DENNE
[MS. 28,000, f. 40]

[1. Sir William Brockman

The estate of Beechborough, that great headland above Folke-
stone, passed in Elizabeth’s reign by sale from the Fogge to the
Brockman family. Sir William Brockman, Kt., (of Letter
CLXIX) was great grandson of the original owner. He was
Sheriff of Kent in 1643 ; a steadfast Loyalist, he defended Maid-
stone in the siege of 1648, when it was attacked by General
Fairfax, “ one of the sharpest conflicts that happened during the
wars ”. x

2. Captain Per civall

In April 1634, Theophilus, Earl of Suffolk, Lord Warden of the
Cinque Ports, wrote to Secretary Windebank to approve the
appointment of “ Mr. Percival, well known to the writer to have

1 Hasted, vol. iii. p. 395.

195

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1641

done good service in the Customs of Dover, and having a desire
to serve his Majesty in a more eminent way ”, to be Captain of
Archcliff Bulwark. 1

Among Percivall’s multifarious duties was the collection of the
tenths of prize-ships brought into the Cinque Ports, out of which
the Secretary for the affairs of the Navy received his salary. As
Comptroller of Customs he was responsible for checking the
transhipment of cargoes for the purpose of evading the dues :
this was no light task in view of the activities of Dunkirk frigates
and Dutch ships of burden in the Channel. He was commended
for his assiduity but reported that the “ ill provision of H.M. forts
makes strangers presume ”, and that the Bulwark was unprovided
with mounted ordnance, the gun-carriages being rotten, musquets,
powder or arms, while most of the surrounding wall had fallen
down “ principally owing to the workmen’s deceitful building of
it ”. 2 In 1638 Percivall bought Denton Court from Edward
Swan, and in December 1641 he was knighted at Whitehall. He
was charged by the Parliament with misappropriation of public
monies, but his fall and imprisonment belong to a later stage of
the Oxindens’ story. He married Gertrude, daughter of Sir
Ralph Gibbes and sister of Unton, third wife of Sir Edward
Dering.]

Mr. Denne,

I have received a letter from my cosen Oxinden of
Denton who deseires your companie with mine tonight att
his house that wee may go tomorrow early a fox hunting att
Denton wood, where Sir William Brockman, captaine per-
cevall and others will bee a hunting, pray if you can goe call
mee about six of the clok this afternoone and you shall find
me readie both then and ever

Readie to serve you

Henry Oxinden

CLXX

HENRY OXINDEN OF DEANE to HENRY OF BARHAM

[MS. 28,000, f. 78]

[“ Mrt Delme ”, was probably Philip Delme, at this date Pastor
of the Strangers’ Church, in the Cathedral Crypt at Canterbury.

1 Cal. D S.P., Ch. I, vol. 1633-4, p. 561 (10). z Ib. vol. 1640, p. 160.

196

1641] KATHERINE CULLING

Herbert Palmer was a cousin of Henry Oxinden’s wife, Eliza-
beth Meredith, and Master of Queen’s College, Cambridge.]

Good Cozen,

I am unexpectedly to goe to London toomorrow which
bars me of the happines of so good companie att Capt.
Percevall’s as doth nott a little greive mee, and have as great
a desire att this time to subvert the law, I meane of necessitie,
as ever Straford or the rest the Lawes of the Kingdom.
Lett my service bee presented I pray to all your good com-
panie and especially to the noble master and faire mistris of
the house. A great deale of news is come downe butt my
being att Heame yesterday lost the hearing of the relation of
itt by Sir Thomas Palmer, my cozen Harbert Palmer and
Mrt Delme, being att Dene yesterday, all full of newes, two
maine poynts whereof are that Straford is this day to bee
decapited att ten of the clock, by consent of King, Peeres and
Commons, the other is that Irish Army is to bee disbanded
suddenly and mesengers are sent by the Parliament for that
pourpos. If your Leisure will serve you to come over this
aftemoone you shall both heare more newes, much glad your
frends and receive most hartie welcome from

Your most affectionat cozen and servant

Henry Oxinden

From in my bed
this morning
Wensday 1641

CLXXI

THOMAS BARROW to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 28,000, f. 95]

[“ Mr. Taylor ” was one of those members of Parliament who
voted against the bill for the attainder of the Earl of Strafford. A
list of their names was “ posted up at the corner of the wall of
Sir William Brunkard’s house in the Old Palace Yard in West-
minster ”, and they were hailed as “ Straffordians, betrayers over
their country ”}]

1 Cf . Verney, Notes on the Long Parliament , p. 57.

197

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1641
Lovinge Brother,

I received your letter and concerninge my brother
Addam I am in treaty with twoe or 3 aboute him and soe
nere as I cann I shall take the easiest and best termes, butt
mony by somebody ther must be disbursed, but though too
another man yett not! outt the same way ; and lett mee say
this concerninge Adam, I beleeve he hath beene in some fait,
butt since I have had better knowledge of the young man he is
yet withall, I cannot much blame him for desiringe too re-
moove, and I doubt nott butt his removinge will be much for
his advantage. If he do as I hope he will serve out his time
1 ... I could nott this week gett a diumall and ther is little
busines yett done ; ther is one Mr. Taylor, a parment (sic)
man comitted to the tower for answering, being asked whie
he gave his voice for the Lord Straford, thatt he loved nott to
Comitt Murder with the sword off Justice ; the (?) are nowe
more cried downe then before. Havinge nott else for present,
with my true respect and love to you and all frends,

I rest

Your truly loving Brother at Comand

Thomas Barrow

Adam Jull playes the knave with mee, for he promised
me faythfully to pay my brother Swann, and writt word to
Mr. Davenport thatt he paid him, butt he hath nott pd him
a penny. I shall, if doe nott pay mee speedily, put him in
jaile ; I pray doe soe much for mee ag. Mr. Richards, to
come to some fayre end and to be honest and pay his mony.

Lo: 28 May : 1641

CLXXII

SIR THOMAS PEYTON to THE MAYOR AND JURATS OF
SANDWICH

[Capel Cure MSS. Sir Thomas Peyton’s Letters.]

[Sir Thomas Peyton first sat for Sandwich in the Short Parlia-
ment, 1639, 2 and was again returned for the Long Parliament in
October 1640.]

1 Omitted, account of debts owed to Mr. Stretehay. 2 Cf. Letter CXLII.

198

1641] KATHERINE CULLING

TO THE MAIRE AND JURATS OF SANDWICH,

June 14. 1641

Worthy Sirs,

I could have been glad not to have had this occasion
to write what must needes make my letter verie unacceptable
to you. Butt since nothing can bee made better then it is by
wishing you might nott heare what you will bee sure to feele,
I must in very short words lett you knowe, That the Parlia-
ment hath thought fitt nott to spare you in these last and
indeed greatest subsidies. Theire severall votes were, to
make the landes lyable to the charge of the whole County.
And the Assesment of Personall Estates to goe into the
surplusage, which is a provision of money above the common
estimate to meete with accidentall or unseene costes. This is
your lott at this present time, and if it would ease your con-
dition to tell you that others are in the same, I could lett
you knowe that all endeavours have beene that none may
escape to be assisting in this last and great taxe and I doe
nott knowe that any persons or places or things are spared,
soe greate it is made, and made soe upon the reason of the
generall convenience. Butt I suppose hoc vice only, for when
things shall bee reduced to their first and naturall existence
I doubt nott butt the ordinary and usuall motions of the
body will be sufficient to discharge all the offices of it. And
this desiring to advertise you of, that n[ews] postes, which
observe noe measure, might nott present it to you otherwise
then it is truely ; I rest

Your assured freind to doe you service

Tho: Peyton

CLXXIII (Draft)

HENRY OXINDEN to SIR THOMAS PEYTON
[MS. 28,000, f. no]

Sir,

I understand you are about perfecting the Act of
oblivion and I am not left out of itt : I have therefore

199

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1641

adventured to write to you, not out of a humour of hearing
the passages of the grand and weightie affaires now in agita-
tion or the like, but onlie to desire you to give mee to under-
stand of your health and your Ladies, and with what itt hath
pleased God to blesse you withall, and soe I rest
Your loving Bro: to command

Henrie Oxinden

Barham . June 21. 1641

CLXXIV

THOMAS BARROW to HENRY OXINDEN
[MS. 28,000, f. 107]

Lovinge Brother,

I shall forbeare to write much, onely this, I doe very
much desire to see you, and att this time I wonder you should
nott make hast to come up though noe manner of busines
should call you. Here is Sir James and the Captaine much
desire your company, and here is soe much talke off the parlia-
ment busines thatt you will think your labour and time very
[well] spent and the best journey you have taken a long time.
I cannot write any Certeinty off anything, butt the Lord
Cottington as it is reported is accused of treason, the bill is
drawen up against the Judges, and many other things will be
done against your coming up the midle off the next weeke,
att which time I hope I shall see you. I pray remember
my humble duty to my Mother, and I hope, tell I deserve the
contrary, I shall have her love, and before I would doe any-
thing willingly should hers or your evell will, I would perish.
I pray remember my true love and harty respects and love
to yourselfe. I rest

Your truly loving brother ever att Command

Thomas Barrow

London first July 1641

200

i6 4 i]

KATHERINE CULLING

CLXXV

SIR THOMAS PEYTON to HENRY OXINDEN
[MS. 28,000, f. 109]

Bro: Oxenden,

Your Letter of the 21 of June I received the 14th of
July. And then too by a great good Lucke I came to have
it. For being in the old Exchange where I sawe your brother
Adam Oxenden ; which was an accidentall and somewhat a
rare discoverie too,, soe much growne is hee beyond all
computation of mine that I was stricken with wonder at my
tall and steepe friend ; hee told me of your Lettre at Mr.
Barrowe’s, which gave mee good occasion to visitt another
friend, of whom I received your Letter ; and soe you see
whie and how I had it. And nowe to satisfie your desires in
some part ; I must give you thankes first for your kind en-
quirie and then lette you knowe that wee are alwais bettre for
your well-wishes to us. And when you desire to know with
what it hath pleased god to blesse mee withall, I must truly
say it is soe much that it cannott be contained within the
boundes of a letter. First a life innocuous and free a securi
et fascibus and from Parliamentary indignation ; then a
competent fortune and quiett, solutus omni fcenore ; then a
good and constant condition of health ; then all advantages
of acquiring wisedome and knowledge in a schoole where for
ought I knowe the Interests of the whole Christian worlde
are depending ; and after all these, another Daughter : I
could write much more here if I thought this abstract nott
enough for this place and your Question. And till you shall
enquire further of mee, which you may freely doe in any
matter you shall like to propound, I shall retaine a continuall
habitude of being as serviceable to you as shall best become
Your very affectionate brother

Tho: Peyton

July 15. 1641

201

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1641

CLXXVI

HENRY OXINDEN OF DEANE to HENRY OF BARHAM

[MS. 28,000, f. 99]

Cozen,

Our staying att Sir Thomas Palmer’s so late to night
and beyond expectation caused our omission of inviting you
this afternoone for toomorrow dinner ; but I hope you will
excuse us, and except of this warning to bee a sufficient pre-
paration to come to so familiar a freind’s house to dinner,
especially when the intreaties of a whole familly is ioyn’d with
an addition of too so noble frends of yours as Sir Thomas
Palmer and Sir William Meredith, who will neither eate nor
drinke till they have seene you but against stomack ; pray
therefore fayle nott, as you tender the good of these and the
rest of your frends, and bee heere att Dene about eleven of the
clock to-morrow, where you shall bee a companion for a
countesse, I ever thought you to bee on for a Prince, and so
waiting for the honnour of that companie I rest
Your frend and servant

Henry Oxinden

Thursday night
very late . July 1641

CLXXYII

THOMAS BARROW to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 28,000, f. 25]

Loving Brother,

I received by Shep d 7 U , the which toomorrow I
shall retume to Oxenford. I should bee hartily glad to see
you here and I am nott outt of hopes butt I shall. Here’s
litle busines of note done yett in the house, itt [is] nowe
againe generally thought that Bishops will stand . I have heard
itt by divers Parliamentt menn thatt Citty had this day hear-
ing for London Derry and itt is thought itt will be restored.

202

1641] KATHERINE CULLING

The Queene hath now given her Resolucion to the house
thatt shee will stay att home and nott goe to the Spawe.
Other newes I have [not] wherefore praying you to remember
my duty to my mother, and my love and Respects to my
sister Elizabeth, with my truest respect and love to yourselfe,
I rest

Your truly loving brother at Comand

Thomas Barrow

Lon[don ] 21th July 164-
[July 1641]

CLXXVIII

THE BISHOP OF ROCHESTER to HENRY OXINDEN
[MS. 28,000, f. Ill]

[The life of John Warner (1581-1667), Bishop of Rochester
(1637-1666), the devoted adherent of the Church and the Mon-
archy, the friend of Archbishop Laud and correspondent of
Jeremy Taylor, the founder of Bromley College, has been written
by his kinsman, Edward Lee-Warner (1905). We are here only
concerned with his East Kentish connections. On the appoint-
ment of Archbishop Abbot, he held the Rectory of Bishopsbourne
with the Chapelry of Barham from 1619 to 1646, when it was
sequestered ( cf . “ Mr. Walner ”, Letter CVII). He was Canon
of Canterbury 1616-1637, and the donor of the Font which
stands in the Nave of the Cathedral.

Henry Oxinden held the Tithes and Parsonage of Barham on
lease from the Bishop for three years, ending Michaelmas 1643.]

Sir,

You send me word that you have paid to Mr. Lyne
for my use 102 11 10 s due at Midsommer last, for the rent of
the parsonage of Barham, which being so payd, for I have not
heard from Mr. Lyne, I doe acquit you of as if it had beene
payd into mine owne hands.

I wrote to Mr. Lyne a good while since that he should be
punctually carefull in the performing of any promises con-
cerning the repaire of the Barne. I thinke Mr. Woods can
testifie as much by his letters. If through any occasion

203

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1641

there be default, I pray excuse me and send to Mr. Lyne,
who, I hope, will at my earnest request, put of some of his
owne greater busines to satisfy you.

Heere is a report that the Scots’ Army make little hast, as
though they intended not this Summer to see their owne
Country, although five of our Regiments, being more than
the third part of our whole Army, be by this time disbanded.
We heare not to the contrary but that the King holds his
journey to Scotland the 10th of August, but for the Queene,
who had purposed to goe over to Utricht and to have dranke
the waters of the Spaw for her health, at the earnest motion of
the two houses of Parliament she hath stayed her jorney.

On Saterday last, two of our great Lords at a Committee
[com]e 1 unto the Parliament house sitting with other Lords
on Parliament busines forgat themselves so farre that the one,
viz the Lord [Chamb]erlaine 1 of the King's house, told the
Lord Mowbray, sonne and heire [of the] 1 Earle of Arundell,
it was false ; whereupon the Lord Mowbray [gave] 1 the Lie.
The Chamberlaine strooke with his white staffe, the other
threw a Standish but missed. The Chamberlaine hereon
strooke a second blow, and for this, on Munday last in the
morning, they were both committed by warrant of the Lords’
house to the Tower. Yesterday the Lord Chamberlaine
petitioned the house, and it is expected that the Lord Mow-
bray doe the same today : whereupon I conceive they will
both have their release. Some talke there is as though upon
the King’s going to Scotland the houses will make a Recesse
till after Michaelmas, yet so as the House of Commons will
have a standing Committee to adjourne from week [to week]
and if need should be to call the whole house together againe.
This paper bids me make an end yet never to cease being
Your freind to serve you

Jo: Roffens

July 2 2 1641

1 Missing words supplied.

204

1641] KATHERINE CULLING

CLXXIX

HENRY OXINDEN to THE BISHOP OF ROCHESTER
[MS. 28,000, f. 1 1 IV.]

TO THE RIGHT REVEREND FATHER

in God John, Lord Bp. of Rochester
Right Reverend Sir,

I rd your letter and doe most kindlie thank you for
the newes I received in it from you.

I make noe question but Mr. Line hath certyfied you of his
receipt of the rent due unto you, of the payment whereof I
was punctually carefull, and make noe question but that your
Lordship will bee noe lesse in performing your promise about
the reparations of all those edifices which I am to leave at
the determination of my lease repaired, mayntained, upheld,
sustained, amongst which the Cove att the southend of the
Barne is the most necessarie, and without which I shall in
vaine lay my corne in that end thereof : and shall not know
how to keepe my cattell in winter without itt, for they will
not be able in tempestious weather to stand sub Dio frigido
without apparant and unavoideable danger of losse to mee and
of themselves. The Timber and other necessaries for it are
all caused to bee brought by Mr. Lines’ appointment : it
seemes since having heard from your Lordship hee hath
stopped his intended proceedings about the reparations,
which he cannot but conceive, according to his first apprecia-
tion, to bee most absolutely necessarie. And could he con-
ceive otherwise, yett the number of yeares one or other hath
stood there, and the judgement of soe many succeeding
Parsons, and the common reason of all men besides, would
bee sufficient to approve itt : and hee that shall deny com-
mon reason, as the fire to burne, Aristotele judice projiciatur
in ignem, and hee that shall deny the Aire in winter in our
Clymate to bee cold would bee pronounced by the same
Judge to make tryall by an experiment.

Lett not the want hereof I beseech you adde to the rest of
my losses which I shall suffer this yeare, which according to

205

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1641

the opinion of the best understanding men in such affaires is
adjudged at £40, and for which I can neither blame heaven
nor you, all though if itt had pleased itt to have sent more
raine and your Lordship to have abated more rent, I might
have avoided, notwithstanding I remaine thankfull to both. 1
. . . Mr. Line hath beene fearefull least hee might put your
Lordship to too much charge, and the mason, haueing taken
the worke of him by the great, is likewise afraid of putting
himselfe to the like, and therefore is not a little backward in
exam[in]ing of divers most necessarie places, which ere long
will themselves shew the truth of my assertion better then
I know how in wordes to expresse. And that I may beeget
a farther credence of this, I will assure you the Mason told
mee the whole barne wanted new ripping if it had its right
and sic de caeteris.

I shall not att this time trouble your Lordship anie further
about these matters, knowing your Lordship to have more
weighty affaires in agitation, therefore will only give you
under my hand that I am

Your Lordship’s servant
ad aras

to bee commanded

Henrie Oxinden

Aug. 4 1641

CLXXX

HENRY OXINDEN in Reply to SIR THOMAS PEYTON
[MS. 28,000, f. no]

Sir,

Tempora si numeres bene quae numeramus amantes
Non venit ante suum nostra querela diem.

After three weekes longing and after all my hopes of
hearing from you were expired, att the last I received a letter
from you. A letter the more Wellcome unto mee in regard

1 H. O. repeats the same arguments. 20 lines omitted

206

1641] KATHERINE CULLING

itt conteined soe great, soe rare, soe manie blessings accumu-
lated uppon you by the giver of everie good and perfect
gift. Certainly they are only pauci quos aequus amavit
Jupiter who have soe large a share in the happinesse of his
footstoole.

Among the rest of your enumerated blessings I account itt
noe small one to bee solutus omni foenore, in regard, as
Solomon well observed, the borrower is a servant to the
lender : for my part I can only apply the other part of the ode
unto myselfe and say I am Ille qui procul negotiis, Ut prisca
gens mortalium Paterna rura bobus exercet suis, Forumque
vitat et superba civium potentiorum limina. But that which
I esteeme greater is the advantage of getting wisedome and
knowledge, because the wisest of men stiled him blessed
that getteth her, for her merchandise is better then the mer-
chandize of silver and her gaine better then gold ; it is more
pretious than pearles and all things that thou canst desire are
not to be conpared unto her. I understand likewise that
God hath blessed you with a daughter, and I desire him to
give you and your Ladie much joy of her, and had you onlie
certified mee of your health and hers itt had bene as much as
I expected to heare of the Question, having no farther reach
or meaning in it, Soe in hast I rest

Your trulie affectionate bro: and servant

Henrie Oxinden

Aug: 1. 1641

CLXXXI

THE BISHOP OF ROCHESTER to HENRY OXINDEN
[MS. 38,000, f. 1 1 5]

Sir,

I pray know that it was long after the conclusion of
our bargaine for the parsonage of Barham before ever I
heard that Mr. Lyne did covenant or promise for me to erect
a Cove at the end of the Barne. Nay let me tell you, till
yourselfe and Mr. Woods, by late letters informed me that

207

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1641

timber and materials were brought for building such a Cove,

I did not know that Mr. Lyne was about such a worke ; for
to my remembrance the first that I heard of the busines was
within these 3 weekes from Mr. Lyne, who only propounded
unto me whether or no that I thought fit to erect a Cove, the
charge whereof would amount to about io 11 . To which
then, as now, for answer I referred my selfe unto Mr. Lyne’s
covenant or promise on my behalfe, not countermanding the
thing, if I were ingaged, and yet if indifferently free, that I
might be spared for a further time, thereby to doe it with less
charge and with some meanes of reparation from Pollen.

Sir, the King departed from London on Tuesday about

II of the clock : we conceive he will stay at Berwicke till
some part of the next weeke. The treaty betwixt us and the
Scots is fully finished and exemplifications under Seale given
to each part. They are to passe the Twedd the 25th or 26th
of this present August. The 7th of September there is a
Thanksgiving publique to be made both in England and
Scotland for the joy of a concluded peace. This afternoone
many of the Lords bid the Queene mother farewell entring
upon her journey, and after it most of the Lords themselves
will be hourely leaving the Parlament, but when or what
kind of Recesse there will be I cannot yet tell you. In the
meane I rest

Your very lo: freind to serve you

Jo: Roffens

Westm r Aug . 12. 1641

CLXXXII

THOMAS BARROW to HENRY OXINDEN
[MS. 28,000, f. 1 1 7]

Lovinge Brother,

I thought good to give notice that my brother Adam
is gone from the Exchange ; he lives with his Master Brooks,
whoe hath noe Imploymentt at all for him, and I feare iff he
there continues butt a while itt will do him very much hurtt.

208

1641] KATHERINE CULLING

I have laboured and indeavoured all I could to procure him a
convenient master upon that Exchange, but whatt the reason
is I know nott, I can by noe means doe Itt, he hath there some
preiudice butt howe itt came I cannot Judge. I could wish
you had come to towne in Easter or the last terme, happily by
one meanes or other you might have procured thatt he might
have stayed with his master, but thatt is nowe too late ; he
was earnest with mee to have written to my mother (to
whome I pray remember my humble duty) to give way he
may goe beyond sea, butt I desired therein to be excused, for
thatt was a business which I durst not meddle with and he
hath I beleve written to her himselfe, but howe to advise
for itt I knowe nott. I protest I have and ever will doe as for
my owne Child anything I cann which may tend too his good,
butt more than I cann cannott be expected. What newes is
this enclosed paper will testifie, and soe with the remembrance
etc., I rest

Your truly loving brother ever att command

Thomas Barrow

London igth August 1641

CLXXXIII

ADAM OXINDEN to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 28,000, f. 1 19]

Lovinge Brother,

My most humble servis remembred unto you ; and
my Brother Barrow did show me a Letter where in you write
words that if i can goe to sea without any cost to my mother or
you, I may goe, which I do verely beeleeve I may, for i know
that my master beeing soe honest a man will get mee a place
to goe and will be at the Charges himsealfe. Soe only my
desire is that you would bee pleased to speake to my mother
that I may have her good will to goe. I can not for my part
blame my master in anythinge, for if that I could have gotten
a master that had beene an honest man upon any reasonable
tearmes, I know my master would not have been backwards

209

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1641

in anythinge. If that I may get my mother’s good will with
yours and the rest of my frends, I know I may goe in a
Creditable way without any Cost or Charge to my frends.

Soe desiringe you that you would be pleased to remember
my humble duty to my mother, i rest

Your truly lovinge brother till death

Ad: Oxenden

August Z'jth 1641

CLXXXIIIa

HENRY OXINDEN OF DEANE to HENRY OF BARHAM
[MS. 28,000, f. 45]

Good Cozen,

To acquitt myselfe of my promise, I heere send you
my boy and this paper to acquaint you with our intention to
wait on the Queene Mother, and our probable hopes of
effecting our desires ; our time praefixt of being at the
chequers in Canterbury is att twelfe of the clocke tomorrow
being thursday, att which place and time pray fayle nott to
meete, as you tender the service : Farewell
Your freind and servant

Henry Oxinden

CLXXXIV (Draft)

HENRY OXINDEN to THOMAS BARROW
[MS. 28,000, f. 356]

Good Brother,

My mother rd a letter from my bro: Adam which
hath so much troubled her that shee is not able to write : she
cannot conceive how it comes to passe that my Brother
Adam giveing his Mr. Brooks content all the while hee lived
with him should now bee soe suddenly changed with his
Maister : which in my opinion may iustly give an occasion
of beleife that the young man his maister is in fault. This

210

HENRY OXINDEN OF DEANE (KT 1660, BART 1678)
From a portrait by Cornells Janssen in the possession of O Dan, Esq
Photographer, Donald Macbeth

1641] KATHERINE CULLING

consideration and beleife hath caused her to have counsel
uppon the matter ; which hath resolved her thus, that in
regard that my brother Adam consented not according to the
order of the Cittie to serve this man, that Mr. Brooks is
bound by Law to place him accordinge to his likinge. She
would allsoe that you would entertaine consell uppon this
matter and follow it till St. Mich., at which time shee in-
tendeth to come on purpose to London and follow the sute
herself, being resolved to engage her whole fortune rather
then to have her sonne wronged in this manner. It seemes
strange to mee likewise as well as to her that hee should
bee put from his maister and nothing at all that wee can
heare alledged by his maister agt. him.

If hee should be found gultie of any velonious crimes such
as were intollerable in a prentice there were some reason for
what is done, but as yet wee are not informed of any such
matters, and till wee are, wee were extreamly to be blamed
by the whole world, shee to see her sonne, and myselfe to see
my brother, receive anie wrong in the least kind if it is in our
fortune to remedy. Hee writes to my mother to goe to sea
till the rest of his time bee expired, which how hee will doe
wee know not ; for wee have noe acquaintance to place him
in that course, neither can bee at any charges in setting him
in a new course, having expended well as wee conceive in
another. But if it appeare that hee bee in fait and fickle in
following the profession he was late in — if hee know how to
order his matters in that way hee speaks of, without trouble or
cost to her, I see not but shee will give way to it. I find her
of my disposition in this, that though shee be loving to her
children that take good courses, and willing to doe what she
can for them soe long as they doe soe, yet if they will not bee
persuaded, to persuade herselfe not to bee exceding troubled
for that cannot be healped.

I doe not understand that this is time of yeare to goe for
the East Indies 1 neither how he will imply himself in the
interim : it cannot be thought any wayes fit for him to reside
1 That is, to join his cousin, Sir George Oxinden.

21 1

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1641

in the country, neither to bee out of imployment wheresoever
hee bee.

I give you thanks for the newes you send mee : here is
little. The Queene mother arrived at Dover about 7 of the
clocke uppon Saturday night : she made some stay agt. Sir
Tho. Wilford’s Welke woods where shee had some fruit which
came from my brother Bargrave’s presented unto her ; I
saw her take a peare, and her 2 dogs drinke some water, but
somewhat disdainfulle in regard the glase where the water
was in was not brought uppon a silver plate, which was much
inquired for.

The Queene mother did not unmaske, but in requitall of
some few ladys’ and gent, atendance there did vouch safe to
have the bate of the Caroch put downe and threw her vest
uppon it, where they and myselfe had the honour (if it may
bee called an honour) to salute the hem thereof : ther was the
lord of Arundell and the lord of Oxford and some few others
with her.

The Thursday before, Sir Tho. Palmer, Sir George Theo-
bald, 1 my Cosen Oxinden and myselfe waited uppon the
lady Oxinden and my Cozin Oxinden ’s lady 2 to the king’s
pallace at Canterbury 3 where she lay : after dinner about
3 of the Clocke wee were admitted into her presence : after
the ceremony aforesaid she did my Cousin Oxinden ’s lady
the honour as to speake to her, who answeared her in soe
good french as shee was commended for it, and this was
esteemed noe small favor.

There is one thing I forgot to certify you of at the begin-
ning of my letter, that the matter my mother insisteth uppon
is, that she absolutely beleiveth my brother Adam to bee
treated [unjustly] in regard that hee was promised that hee
shuld bee with the young man as his Mr. Brooks his servant
and not as the young man’s etc, which after hee was with
him hee found no such matter, and this shee is able she sayth
to prove ; and truly I conceive that there is noe man but
would judge this to be very uniust dealings ; soe that the

l Cf. p.288, 2 Elizabeth Meredith. 3 Formerly St. Augustine’s Abbey.

212

1641] KATHERINE CULLING

question will not bee whether my brother Adam neglect his
shop, or follow drinking or the like ; but whether hee had
his promise fulfilled unto him ; and not having it, whether
hee is not to chuse a new Maister, and his former to bee at the
cost of binding him for the same time and uppon the same
conditions hee was to serve his Mr. Brooks.

[No signature.]

CLXXXV

THOMAS BARROW to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 28,000, f. 123]

Lovinge Brother,

1 ... I could wish you would forbeare soe hard a
Censure as that you were Cheated till you rightly understand
howe things stand, to write soe many particulars or circum-
stances as the case requires time will nott permitt, butt yett
iff it t would, I hold itt not convenient to write. Whatsoever
my mother or you please too command to the utmost off my
power I will fullfill, butt too beginn a suite where there is noe
manner of ground for itt, I should much preiudice all thatt
shall have a hand in it and shewe myselfe very simple.

I showed the letter to my brother Adam and willed him too
answer. Had you spoken with Mr. Brooks and he had
denyed or refused too doe the utmost he could too place Adam,
or to pay such a portion of the monies back as any honest
man should thinck fitting, then you had cause of such Con-
ceipts, or to beginn a suite, butt he refusinge nothinge which
befits or besemes an honest man too doe, I should con-
ceive myself dishonest and very weake to beginn a suite
which my Conscience tells mee there is noe manner of Cause.
But you will say whie is nott Adam placed. I can truly
answere that I have made 100 Journies aboute Itt, and both
Mr. Brooks and myselfe wee have done what we could but
cannott gett a master, but then you will alsoe require a reason
whie we cannot ; I can give nothing butt this, that such as

1 Some lines of introductory greeting omitted.

213

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1641

are fitting masters for him say they are full and will nott have
him ; others that happily would have had him, butt they were
such as upon good consideracion I altogether thought un-
fittinge for him, and this concerning that is my answer ; and
for his goinge beyond sea, to which he hath an earnest desire,
I cannot, will not, judge whether convenient or noe, but leave
it too better judgementts, but this much I beleve, he may goe
in a Reasonable Creditable way and without chardge too any
butt his master.

Newes I heare nott any, and therefore praying you re-
member, etc. In hast I rest

Your truly loving brother att Comand

Thomas Barrow

Lo: first f ri% 1641

I have writt in payne, being not, nor having bene, perfect
well this seaven night.

CLXXXVI (Draft)

HENRY OXINDEN to THOMAS BARROW
[MS. 28,000, f. 357 V.]

Good Brother,

As you say in the beginning of your letter so say I, I
cannot tell what to write : when I consider with my selfe
what paines you have taken in the behalfe of my brother
Adam and what little effect they have taken, I cannot but
thinke our ingagements great and your and our ill fortune
to be paraleld unto them. And truly for my owne part I am
sorry you are put to so much trouble, and greved even to the
heart that my brother Adam is out of his profession, which I
beseech you either suddainely , one way or another, plainly and
fully, informe mee of these particulars following. First,
whether in your conscience you beleive that my brother Adam
be averse to the course of life I put him in according to his
owne choice and liking ; if he bee, all our cares will be
vaine in re-establishing him in it againe. Secondly whether

214

1641] KATHERINE CULLING

hee can now goe to sea (which by his letter it semes hee hath
a mind to) soe as it may bee 3 or 4 yeare at least before hee
returne. For if his returne be sooner I shall find as much
truble with him as now : I desire and that with all my heart
hee would follow his first course, but if hee bee averse to it I
think noe other will bee more fitting. My mother gave mee
a letter to seale up which I have, unsealed, sent you here in-
cloased, which I desier you to reade, seale and deliver or send
to him : I find she is ag fc his going to sea till all hope of getting
him to serve out his apprenship (sic) doth fade, and then if
the fait be in him, I persuade myselfe she will not over much
trouble herselfe whether hee goe. Meethinks hee may bee
by some meanes or other persuaded to serve out the residue of
his time, after which it would be more fitting for him when
he comes to more maturity of judgement to travale ; and I
pray you most earnestly to your utmost to trie if you can per-
suade him unto it. God is my judge I doe not more earnest-
ly desire any of my children’s happines and welfare than his,
and this I can truly say of the rest, though not be beleived by
some of them. But this is my comfort, I alone have not
beene borne under this Planett. Whereas you say in your
letter that you will fullfill my mother’s and my desire to the
utmost of your power, certainly you cannot better doe the
same then by all way and means persuading my brother to
serve out his time and to see him placed according to his
liking, and after that if hee will not be ruled, wee cannot say
but you have done your part. Doubtless the young man
his late master ought to have fulfilled his promises to my
brother, whereof the one was that he should have stood with
him that vii years ; and in regard he is unwilling to fulfill his
promises, there is noe reason but that he should see him
placed uppon the same tearmes hee was to have fullfilled with
him. Pray doe what lies in you to effect this, and thereby
you will save my mother a troublesome and discontented
journy, and nearer engage him unto you who is

Your truly and affectionatly lo: brother

H. O.

215

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1641
Sorry for your sickenes.

Pray send mee down five ells of holland that may bee very
well worth 10 s the ell ; and 6 that may be worth five shillings
the ell and lett it bee strong and lasting. The Shepheard’s
holland I formerly had of you proved not soe strong as (I
believe) you expected it would.

CLXXXVII

The Letter to adam enclosed
[MS. 28,000, f. 358]

Sep. 13 1641
Brother Adam,

These are to intreat you to bee ruled by my brother
Barrow ; and to set aside your cogitations of going to sea,
and to serve out the rest of your time with some good M r *,
which I am verie well assured my brother Barrow will to the
utmost of his endeavours healpe you unto. It will bee more
fitting for you to goe to sea hereafter when you have served
out your time, and then you will be more able to improve
yourselfe by travaile : I perceive my mother is much grieved
and perplexed to thinke that you will take this course.
There is not any under heaven in the opinion of your best
friends soe fitt for you as the course you were formerly in.
And this you may beleive from him who is
Your very lo: bro.

Henry Oxinden

CLXXXVII I {Draft)

HENRY OXINDEN to VINCENT DENNE
[MS. 28,000, f. 358V.]

Kind Friend,

It hath pleased God to visit my boy Clerkson with the
smallpoxe about thirteen dayes since, which I thought good
to certify you of, that if you thinke I may danger any at your
meeting, uppon notice given I shall refraine coming, all-

216

1641] KATHERINE CULLING

though my heart and soul will be with you. Thus with the
tender of my gratefull respects unto you to whom [I] estimate
myselfe infinitly obliged, I rest

Your obedient servant to command

H. O.

Sep . 12. 1641

CLXXXIX

VINCENT DENNE to HENRY OXINDEN
[MS. 28,000, f. 128]

Mr. Oxinden,

I desier your company tomorrow all though your
boye hath had the small poxe, for I supose that you com not
too him yourselfe, and therefore if you dooe not speacke
of it I thinke you shall not feare any of my Company, nor
there will bee no feare of your coming to mee, so in hast
I rest, hooping I shall see you tomorow,

Your loving frend to his power

Vinc: Denne

Wandertun this
i\th of September 1641

cxc

THOMAS BARROW to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 28,000, f. 130]

Good Brother,

I have spoken with my brother Adam, with whome I
have, with as many powerful words and arguments as I
could use, Indeavoured to perswade him to serve outt his time
with another man. After many words and persuasions he
sayd (though I must say very faintly) he would, to give his
mother and you content, indeavour itt whatt he could, but
seing you soe seriously inione mee to answere upon my Con-
science to those 2 questions, I will according doe ; to the
first I answere,

217

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1641

In my conscience I find him soe averse to the Course that
I doe verily beleive were he well placed againe he would not
serve outt halfe his time ; and this is lickwise my opinion,
should he serve outt his time yett would he be nott bettered
by itt, because of his altogether indisposicon to itt. To the
second I answere, I am confident he may nowe goe upon
reasonable good tearmes, which oportunity being slipt,
happily in many yeares he may nott meete the like againe ; and
soe he stay for les then 3 yeares he cannott goe, but 4 or 5 he
may perchaunce be made to stay. Thus have I freely answered
accordinge ; and nowe I pray take itt nott ill iff I deale as
freely with you, tis nott in any ill will butt in love to you and
my brother, so I would hartily wish you had in all this time,
or would yett, come to London, you would shewe yourself©
a lovinge brother ; I deale freely, had I beene you, I should
have thought myself to have done much a misse for forbear-
ing too come all this time ; but enough off thatt, iff you will I
will ende all againe too place him, but to what purpose itt
will be I have before given my opinion. If according to his
earnest desire he should goe to sea, the Resolucon must be
speedy, otherwise [hee] will misse his oportunity, for the
ships are to goe away in a shortt time, and thus prayinge you
to remember my duty to my mother, and with the remem-
brance of my true Respect and love to you and to my sister
Elizabeth and Brother James, I rest

Your truly loving brother ever att comand

Thomas Barrow

Lon: 26: 7 6ri * 1641

My wife prayes you to remember her duty to my mother,
shee remembers her Respects to you and too her brother
James and sister Elizabeth, and prayes you to tell my sister
iff shee receives the 2 peeces off stufe she hath, she hopes too
have the bed made up soone after Michaellmas.

218

1641] KATHERINE CULLING

CXCI (j Draft)

HENRY OXINDEN to THOMAS BARROW
[MS. 28,000, f. 358V.]

Good Brother,

Seing I have used all my best endeavours to persuade
my brother to follow his profession, and find both by your-
selfe and himselfe and others that hee hath noe inclination to
it, and that his mind is altogether to goe to sea, (least that
hee may blame mee hereafter in being a hinderance to his
fortunes) I have thought fit to leave him to his owne desire,
desiring God to blesse and protect him. My mother nor
I will desire to have no hand in it any farther then not to
hinder him. I shall take some other time in excusing my not
coming to london being now in very great haste. I could
hardly have writ at this time but that your letter required a
speedy answeare.

[Unsigned]

CXCII

HENRY OXINDEN to THOMAS BARROW
[MS. 28,000, f. 367]

Good Brother,

I read your letter to my mother before my sister and
my bro: James. Something sticks in her stomach but what
it is she keepes to herself e. I doe thinke it is nothing con-
cerning myselfe : yet I beleive shee will scarce stay long
before she remoove (according to her nature) to some other
place, but whether I know not, and I am confident not shee
herselfe as yett. I heard her say that she wrot to my Sister
Barrow to send her word of my Brother Adam and shee did
not, and I gather thus much, that his ill courses, by her scarce
beleft, hath caused both you and my selfe to suffer in her
imagination. As concerning my coming up to London
(though it be a place I very much love) yett hardly will any
thing ever draw mee thether but to do my friends service, and

219

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1641

to doe that I may bee enticed to take a farr greater journey.
My sister Eliz. hath taken some course to send you your
stuffe : I hope my sister Barrow will not bee soe cruell as to
bring her child into the world till this cold weather be past
and by that time that which is left undone of the stuffe may
be finished.

[Unsigned]

CXCIII (Draft)

HENRY OXINDEN to ROBERT BARGRAVE

[MS. 28,000, f. 359]

[Brentius is one of the authors quoted by Henry Oxinden’s
countryman, Reynold Scot in the Discoverie of Witchcraft , a
book from which many of the arguments in this letter are plainly
derived.]

Brother Bargrave,

The bearer hereof, by name Goodwife Gilnot, either
maliciously or ignorantly, or both maliciously and ignorantly,
accused to bee a witch, and having thereby sustained losse
of her good name, and by reason thereof being much troubled
and perplexed in minde, doth become your humble petitioner
that the calumnies layd against her may either be fully proved
or the authors of them may receave condigne punishment.
I can no way blame the woman for being troubled at the
losse of her good name, for all her riches are not to be com-
pared unto it ; if she be esteemed such a kind of creature
everie body will be afraid of her and noe body set her aworke,
insomuch as truely shee will bee utterlie undone.

The allegations agt. this woman are that shee hath be-
witched one Brake, who being ill in bed beleiveth her to bee
the cause thereof.

z. The said Brake hath lost divers sheepe and shee is
accused to be the cause that they have suffered this sheep-
wrake.

To answer to the first of these allegations, I say hee is in a
consumption, the sayd BH’~ ind will not follow our advise

1641] KATHERINE CULLING

to be at the charge to go to a phisition who by God’s help
may cure him. To the second I answer, I myselfehave lost
divers sheepe and cattell this yeere, and soe have my neigh-
bours likewise, who are not soe simple to beleve they were
bewitched, nor soe malitious as to accept anybody for be-
witching them.

Thirdly, that she hath a wart or Teat uppon her body
wherewith shee giveth her familier sucke.

I answer to the third, I believe of not a marke uppon her
body but what all women have as well as shee, or none
injurie if they had it not. She hath a small wart uppon her
brest, which you may see and you please, and believe it there is
none so familier with her as to receive any sustenance from
thence.

But such is the blindness of men in these latter times that,
as St. Paul preached, they depart from the faith and give
heed to spirits of error and doctrines of devills, nay speake
lies ; and such depe roote hath the fables of witchcrafte taken
hold in the heart of this and other silly men, now and here,
that they will not with patience endure the hand and correc-
tion of God, for if any adversity, sicknes, losse of corne and
catle, doe happen to their prosperity, they accuse some
neighbor or other for a witch ; as if there were no God in
Israeli that ordereth all things according to his good pleasure,
punishing both iust and uniust with losses and afflictions
according as hee thinketh good, but that certaine creatures
here in earth, called witches, must needes be the authors of
men’s miseries, as though they themselves were innocents
and had deserved no such punishments.

O quod credibile mens hominis.

Moreover I cannot see how any rationall man can persuade
himselfe that a simple woman shuld doe such things as
these ; for the Act alwayes supposeth the power, soe as if
they will afferme such an Act done, they must the abilitie of
the agent to doe it ; now what power hath a witch or a
woman to doe such things as in nature are impossible for

221

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1641

her to doe and in sense and reason incredible. Surely the
naturall power of any mortall creature is not of soe large
extent as to doe things beyond the power and vertue given
and ingrafted by God : nether doth God permit any more
then what the naturall order appointed by him doth require.
This naturall order is nothing else but the ordinarie power of
him poured into everie creature according to his nature and
condition. If it be $[ai]d it is done by the help of the devill
who can worke miracles ; why doe not they begin to pass
their sicknes miraculously with whom the deill is as con-
versant as with the other ; such mischeifs as these as are
imputed to witches hapned before she was borne and will
happe when she is dead ; why then shall such effect be
atributed to that cause which being taken away will happen
neverthelesse. Sir, my earnest request unto you is that you
will not lightly beeleve such false and malitious reports as
you heare, or may heare, alledged against this woman, whom
I beeleive to bee religiously disposed. Certen I am shee
hath undergone a great deale of labour to bring up her
charge of children, and hath taken noe small care to have them
instructed up in the feare of God, and therefore it is the more
pittie to have her Labour under soe great a scandall. And
for soe much as the neighbors healp them selves together, and
the poore woman’s cry, though it reach to heaven, is scarce
heard heere uppon earth, I thought I was bound in con-
science to speake in her behalfe ; that noe hastie iudgment
might passe uppon her, for the world is now come to that
passe that een as when the Heathen persecuted the Christ-
ians, if any were accused to beleve in Christ the common
people cryed ad leones ; so now, if any woman, bee she never
so honest, be accused for a witch, they cry ad ignem ; and
noe marvell if common people be mistaken in this matter,
when almost all divines, physitions and lyers [lawyers], who
should know most, herein satisfying themselves with old
excuses (?), have given to much credit to these fables, and the
last and worst sentence of death uppon the supposed witches.
But when a man ponders with himselfe that in times past all

222

1641] KATHERINE CULLING

that severed from the Church oftimes were judged hereticks ;
it is the lesse marvell if in this matter they resemble the
ignorant.

I formerly read a saying in a learned Author by name
Brentius who sayth this, Si quis admonuerit magistratum
ne in miseras illas mulierculas saeviat eum ego arbitror
divinitus excitatum, and know not but that I may be raised
up for the purpose by God himselfe : sure I am he hath pro-
mised a reward to them that take the part of the innocent and
oppressed and I know by that hee will fulfill his promise.
Time will only now give mee leave to alleige the saying of the
poet Nullum inexorabile mens faeminas in poena est, and
to intreat you to remember my respects to my sister Bar-
grave and my Cozins, and to certify you that I am

Your very lo: Bro:

H. O.

Sep . 23 1641.

[Note on Letter CXCIV et seq.

The Lady Baker.

Between the years 1630 and 1636 the Registers of Kingston
Church, Kent, record the baptism of eight children of Sir Thomas
Baker, Knt., and Frances, Lady Baker, his wife. There is no
entry of their marriage, but her connection with the parish and
also (Letter CCIV) with “ Mistris Alis Wilford ” suggests that
Lady Baker may have been Frances, the eldest of the numerous
daughters of Sir Thomas Wilford (or Wilsford) of Ileden in
Kingston, the youngest of whom was named Alice. There is
only one Sir Thomas Baker who fulfils the necessary data, and
that is Thomas, eldest son of Sir Richard Baker, the historian,
Lord of the Manor of Middle Aston, Oxfordshire, and at one time
High Sheriff of that county. Thomas Baker was knighted at
Woodstock, Aug. 8th, 1625 - 1 Sir Richard was a cousin of Sir Henry
Baker of Sissinghurst. The Dictionary of National Biography
relates the disasters which he brought upon himself by chival-
rously standing surety for the debts of his wife’s relations, the
Mainwarings of Ightfield in Shropshire, his entire loss of fortune

1 Shaw, Knights of England , p. 189.

223

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1641

and miserable death in the Fleet prison after ten years* captivity.
His sons, Sir Thomas Baker and Arthur Baker, who possessed no
lands or chattels in County Oxford, paid their father’s debts to
the extent of £12,000 or £13,000, and in so doing reduced them-
selves to poverty. Lady Baker in 1630 petitioned the Queen for
an extension of the protection granted to her husband and
brother-in-law, “ their engagements being only for their father,
who continues still in imprisonment 1

Ten years later there is a mention of her in a letter of Dr. Bal-
canquall ; she is staying with his wife and daughter in London,
that is in June i 640, 2 a year or more before the abduction of
Katherine Culling. Henry Oxinden’s remarks about the
omission of Sir Thomas Baker’s name from the subsidy lists be-
cause he had nothing to pay the King (Letter CXCIX), help still
further to identify him, and the impecuniosity under which,
through no fault of their own, the couple were labouring, together
with their large family of young children, is some sort of excuse
or at least explanation, for the desperate attempt to abduct a local
heiress (though in a very small way) and make some money out
of bargaining for her hand in marriage among fortune hunters in
London. At this date Katherine Culling’s brother-in-law,
Michael Huffam, the husband of her sister Leah and son of Stephen
Huffam, Rector of St. Nicholas-at-Wade, was Curate in Charge
at Kingston, acting for Dr. Walter Balcanquall while that dignitary
fulfilled the duties of his Deanery.

The Cullings, a yeoman family, had, according to Henry
Oxinden, farmed lands in Barham for several centuries past ; this
is borne out by leases still in existence among the Dean and
Chapter’s papers. Their farm was at South Barham, where an
old stone house (which has lost one wing either by fire or by slow
decay), still crouching under the hill on the south side of the valley,
holds the memory of the Culling sisters and of Katherine’s
adventure in London. Apparently at the request of Katherine
herself (cf. Letter CXCVIII) Henry Oxinden, an old friend of the
family, undertook to act as her guardian and executor of her
father James Culling’s will.]

1 Cal. D.S.P., Ch. I. 1628-9, p. 383, vol. 1631-3, pp, 212, 263.

2 lb., vol. 1640, p. 366.

224

1641] KATHERINE CULLING

CXCIV (Draft)

HENRY OXINDEN to MICHAEL HUFFAM
[MS. 28,000, f. 253V.]

Mr. Huffam,

Let mee beseech you, as you beare any love unto mee,
not to carry your sister Kate with you, for my respects which
nearly concerne mee, who am

Your lo: frend to command

H. O.

Let mee allso to entreate you to persuade her from mee
not to go this evening, wherein I shall acknowledg you to doe
mee a speciall favor. I know shee may bee welcome either
at my mother’s or at your Sister Denwood’s till your re-
tume.

CXCV ( Draft] )

HENRY OXINDEN to LADY OXINDEN OF DEANE
[MS. 28,000, f. 360V.]

Honored Madam,

1 ... I can certify you of noe newes in our partes :
that your Ladiship [companie] and the rest of your family
are much missed, both of rich and poore, I suppose can bee
none, being but what was knowne aforehand. Uppon
Thursday last the Lady Baker went to London and inticed
with her the heire of Ja. Culling, uppon what grounds I
know not. Sure I am it is a discurteous part in her not to
have acquainted mee therewith, and that which to mee
seemeth strange is that shee hath furnished her with some
quantity of monie : if anie thing fall out without my know-
ledge it will bee a 100 1 out of my way, and therefore I desire
your Ladyship or my sister (sic) Dalis on to make a visit to see
the Lady Baker, not taking any notice, as if you knew anie

1 About ten lines omitted of money matters and family greetings.

P 225

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1641

thing in this busines, but only came to see her ; and by the
by to take some occasion to speake privatly to my charge, and
to counsell her to be ruled by her brother, and get her to bee
with you a fourthnight, and this I will estimate as a great
favor and put it downe among many oder of your noble
curtesies, which I shall ever acknowledge though never know
how to requite. I desire to heare from your Ladyship at
the first opportunity, and thus with the tender of my respects
and real wishes to your whole family
I am

Your obliged servant

[Unsigned]

Pray lett this letter
bee kept for my Cozin
Oxinden

CXCVI

HENRY OXINDEN to ELIZABETH DALLISON (Draft)
[MS. 28,000, f. 360V.]

Deare Cozin,

I am not a little melancholie for want of your com-
panie, wishing I could bee so happie as to enioy. I desire
that I might have your picture by mee, that I might take
pleasure in beholding it : surely the substance of that body
is deare to him that will rightly value the shadow thereof, as
will doe

Your affectionate freind and servant

H. Oxinden

I am most extremely vexed at the Lady Baker, in so much
as you cannot doe mee a greater favor then out of relation to
mee to perswade her to bee with you a fourthnight, as I am
confident you may, and this I will estimate as a great [un-
finished).

226

1641] KATHERINE CULLING

CXCVII {Draft)

HENRY OXINDEN to MICHAEL HUFFAM
[MS. 28,000, f. 361V.]

Sir,

I doe not remember that I spake anie one word to your
sister Ellen about your sister Katherine : and therefore may
thinke that your sister, beinge descreet and wise, may uppon
second cogitations have a care of her, as I for my part have
ever had, as allsoe as great an opinion of her discretion as
anie body ; and the more because, as I thought, I found her
willing, according to her father’s counsel, to be ruled by mee,
for whose sake first, and next for her owne, I have beene
carefull ; nay such was my confidence in her that I beleft
that all the world could not have persuaded her to anie
thinke that I was absolutely averse unto ; and there uppon
grounded a strange good opinion and liking of her ; neither
shall this one unadvised act of hers cancell my care of her ;
the long and ancient love betwixt her father and mine, and
myselfe and him, forbids that ; yet it must needs put mee in
mind of the frailtie of her sexe ; which I perceive will hardly
be restrained from their will, notwithstanding anie com-
mandment of an heavenly or earthly father to the contrary.
I am in hast and therefore shall onely desire you to remember
my best respects to your kind wife and your sister and cozin,
and desire you to come over and dine with mee tomorrow and
I will take advice of you and rest

Your affectionate friend

No: 9, 1641 H. Oxinden

CXCVIII (Draft)

HENRY OXINDEN to SIR JAMES OXINDEN

[MS. 28,000, f. 362]

Noble Sir,

I have received your letter and thanke you for your
care and paines in the busines I requested : in the begin-

227

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1641

ning of your letter you say the party who I wrot about is
kept verie cloase ; which seemes strange to mee, in regarde
the Lady, as I am informed since, made verie great protesta-
tions to the partie ’s sister that shee intended nothing in carry-
ing her up, but only out of love to her, and to shew her the
Cittie, etc. ; and sure I am, the partie was ignorant of anie
of their intentions, and, except they besot her, will not easily
incline to anything may prejudice herselfe : there was noe
small meanes and cunning used in procuring her to goe ; and
there are great probabilities and strong presumptions that
how cloase soe ever their busines be carryed, there was evill
intended, and that all the world shall never persuade mee to
the contrary. Certain it is that I am affronted in it, and if I
knew how to be revenged I would ; the Lady knew well
enough that I was her gardian, and that I was utterly against
her going, and as I am informed was therefore the more
eager in it. I am unwilling to preiudice the partie soe much
as to come after her, as if she were so void of discretions as to
be cosened ; but if it could but bee perceived that they have
any way gon about to dispose of her, I would then do the
utmost that lyeth in my power to hinder her intentions in the
most disgracefull way I could imagine. I know that were I
in persone, it lay not in the power of all endeavours to per-
suade her to anie thing whatsoever I should bee agt, but in
absence how feaceable it may bee I have sufficiently learned
by experience. This that makes mee the more remisse in
the busines is that I may, if anything fall not out amisse, bee
thought suspitious without a cause : yet I know well enough
that, all circumstances considered, noe wise man but would
imagine what I have done. Doe but soe much in your next
letter as but write that you are of opinion that they have some
end uppon her and I will come up. And if soe bee that there
bee any danger in the interim, I am well assured that if anie
of you doe but speake to her she will be persuaded.

It will bee a great dishonor to me to have her disposed of,
though never soe well, if it bee agt. my knowledge ; and not
small will bee my losse if it should soe fall out ; all which

228

1641] KATHERINE CULLING

considered, I doe trust, if you find cause, you will amongst
you take it in part your owne cause, and venture some small
hazard rather then lett mee certaine suffer. There are 20
wayes, if you will but use my name, to frustrate what may bee
endeavoured, and if any matter of charge be requisite in the
busines, I will pay it, from one pound to an hundred.

I have, uppon that cause of mistrust that is given mee,
procured Mr. Huffam, her bro: in-law, to come up to London,
to get her to come downe to his house againe. I cannot per-
suade him to suspect any plot in the journey : neither if
could, will hee bee persuaded anybody could effect their
design upon her. I know not whether in the extreme windy
and wett weather was uppon Thursday last hee stayed his
iorny or noe, neither whether hee have power to get her to
come with him.

I saw my brother Richard a horsback to goe toward London
uppon Sunday night : hee made the more hast out of the
Country because of the Irish Employment. My brother
James is willing to goe for the same, if hee may have a place,
and I am sorry my occasions are such as I may not goe my-
selfe. I give your Lady many thanks for her care of my
affaires, and account it as my greatest happines that I have
soe true friends as I find you both to bee uppon all occasions
that may further my designes, and therefore rest consoled that
nothing can happen amisse to mee or mine in a business
which lyeth within the reach of your knowledge and power,
and therefore shall defer my iorny to London untill such time
as I come of purpose to waite uppon you, which I intend (God
willing) ere it long bee to do and to give you thankes for your
love, and rest

Your affectionately lo: Nephew and servant

H. O.

Pray speake my services to my sister (sic) Dalison and my
sister Sib and acquaint my Coz H. Oxinden that I wonder I
doe not heare from him.

There was one thing I forgot to acquent you with in my
letter, viz. that the party spoken of is executrix by her father's

229

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1641

will, and shee desired mee to bee her guardian, and chose mee
in the Court, and I entred into 300 1 bond, and Mr. Den and
Gabrell Richards stand bound with mee for the true dealing
in the said busines, and I tooke my oath likewise for the same.

No: 12, 1641

CXCIX (Draft)

HENRY OXINDEN to MARGARET, LADY OXINDEN

[MS. 28,000, f. 363]

[Dr. Thomas Paske (p. 232) was Master of Clare Hall, Arch-
deacon of London, Rector of Much Hadham, and a Canon in the
fifth Prebend of Canterbury Cathedral. In a letter dated from
Hadham, Dec. 15th, 1635, 1 he excuses himself for not keeping his
residence, as he is hindered from coming to Canterbury by an
“ eruption of sicknesse in Cambridge He was, however,
Vice-Dean in August 1642, when Colonel Edwyn Sandys arrived
at the Cathedral with his troopers, and has left a description of
their “ entering the church and quire, giant-like ... to fight
against God Himself ”, tearing and defacing the hangings and
ornaments, and as they left the Precincts shooting at the Statue of
Christ “ in the Frontispiece of the South-gate ”. Dr. Paske was
sequestered from all his preferments during the Civil War but
re-appointed at the Restoration. He died in 1662. Captain
Dixwell, John Dixwell the Regicide, was a younger brother of
Sir Basil Dixwell of Brome. Sir Edward Boys was of Fredville,
Nonington, where his family were established from 1507 to 1687.
He served in Parliament for Sandwich 1626, for Dover 1639 and
1640, and was Lieutenant of Dover Castle in 1643. He married
Elizabeth, co-heiress of Alexander Hamon of Acrise. A “ Mr.
Man ” was at this time Rector of St. Mildred’s, Canterbury.]

Honored Madam,

I rd your letter uppon Saturday wherein you have
shewen your care of my busines, for which I give you hearty
thankes. I certifyed you in my letter dated No: 12, being
fryday laste, of my suspition of the lady Baker’s intent in
being soe extraordinary importunate in getting the partie up
x 7, 14, 2 and 3 Cal. and Index of 246 Letters, D. and C. Library.

230

DEANE MANOR IN THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY, (AFTER THE REMOVAL OF THE FORMAL GARDENS)
(After an engraving by Ravenhill in die Kentish Register 1794 )

1641] KATHERINE CULLING

to London with her etc. ; and I will allsoe blame none for the
same, especially if you consider all circumstances, as that at
these yeares I ought not to bee ignorent that a man that lives
and deales in the world ought to think that all people are bent
to mischeife ; and that they have a will to put in practise the
wickednes of their minds soe oft as occasion shall serve ; and
when anie mischeife lies covert for a time, it proceeds from
an occasion unknowne, which is not come to light because
tryall of the contrary hath not bene made, but time after-
wards discovers it, which they say is the father of truth ; and
I doubt not but it will doe the like in this busines. I am
ignorant whether her brother be gon for her, or whether shee
will come with him or noe.

If shee doe not, then there is noe way but suddenly to get
her from thence ; and that I beleve may bee done, if shee bee
but assured that it is my desire to have it soe ; and I conceive
to goe about to get her away by lord cheife Justice his warrant
will bee a disparagement to her ; and were it not for that, I
would take noe other corse, because by that meanes I might
affront the Lady that hath put mee to all this trouble, and if
it ly in her power would put mee to a great deale more. If
shee bee not come downe I desire shee might bee given to
understand that what mony shee shall want I will send her
up, for I doubt the Lady for all her promises knows not how
to furnish her ; for if shee culd furnish another body with
mony she would know how to furnish herself, and shee
knowes well enough that Charity begins at home. At the
making up the cesses for the subsidies, the Cessors left her
husband out, as thinking where nothing was to be had the
King might lose his right. But to suppose there was noe
purs in this busines, yet it is beleft that the partie may re-
ceive wrong enough in being in her company ; and I like-
wise have reason to thinke soe ; for till shee grew acquainted
with her, she was, according to the desier of her father’s last
will and testament, ruled by mee in all her affayres, and only
shee hath caused her to resist that advise. . . . 1

1 A passage omitted which H. O. repeats in the following letter.

231

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1641

I take it into consideration likewise that though in some
short space of a fourthnight or 3 weekes shee may not be
persuaded by them she ought not in a matter of consequence,
yet everie body knowes that in time the sturdie oake will
bend and bowe :

Long was it ere the Cittie Troy was taine,

Yet was it brent at length, and Priam slaine,

and therefore I hold it time she bee persuaded from thence,
in respect of her owne good, and mine.

And let the Ladie cloake herselfe from servile eies as well
as shee can, she will never be beleft by mee nor other, who
knowe that such as have great thoughts of themselves and
are high in their owne eies, as shee is, will not to noe purpose
take uppon them trouble and charge with [those they justly]
thinke so much inferior to themselves, where there is no
relation of or friendship or consanguinitie ; and there are
examples sufficient of old to confirme this ; as allso how many
heires have bene deceived in this and the like manner. And
wise men were wont to say (and not by chance nor hazard
neither) that hee who will see what shall bee let him consider
what hath bene, for all things in the world at all times have
their way in counter with the times of old. I shall expect
your letter you have promised uppon Thursday and accord-
ingly I shall know what to resolve uppon.

I was at Cant, last Saturday, and there was a great upprore
at the ordinary, and after dinner the Dene of Cant, and Dr.
Pas[ke] requested hands to a paper to the effect that the Church
government might remaine in such manner as it hath formerly
done, and soe did some set their hands to it, others refuse.

Mr. Stephens gives over his lecture as they say uppon next
Fryday ; in these precise times hee hath few auditors ; in
the roome of that there will bee another set up at St. Andrewes
and Mr. John Swan undertakes it.

I heard at the ordinary that Sir Peter Godfrey and Captaine
Dixwell were last weeke in the field, tho all sayd the busines
was taken up without fighting.

232

1641] KATHERINE CULLING

Sir Tho: Palmer and Anthony Hammond intend to goe
towards London uppon Tuesday, Sir William Brockman and
Mr. Man uppon Thursday, and Sir Ed. Boyes and his Lady
uppon Monday following.

Iff a place could be procured for my brother James to goe
one of the preachers in this Irish imployment, there will be
no danger in deboshing of him ; I beleve hee hath bene at
the worst that he will bee.

My lesser Cosin Dalison is uppon recovery. It is no small
grefe to mee that I cannot heere from my Cozin Henry
Oxinden, pray God he have not lost the use of his hands ; if
I can neither se him nor his picture nor his handwriting I shall
be forced to get another Mistris, for I am sadly much alone
and now much inclined to melancholy. I desire you to
speake my respects to my Unkle Sir James, my Cosin
Dalison and Sibilla and my Cosin Henrie and that I am
Your affectionate lo: Nephew and

servant to command

H. O.

CC

ELIZABETH DALLISON to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 28,000, f. 136]

Noble Cosin,

My last letter was writen in such hast as indeed I know
not well what it wase : I beseech you to excuse my pre-
sumtion that dare to writ to one that doth exselle in that.
Now I must tell you I am my mother’s scribe, who craves
your favor in exscusing her that canot answer your most
compleat lines, full of discreation and judgment. Your
charge I have seenn twise sence I writ, and beefor your letter
to my mother gave notis that you wold not have her want
mony, I did intimate soe much to her from you, but shee
seemed to take noe notis of it ; yett this morning she sent
for io 11 which my mother procured for her, and Mr. Huff-
ham that came for it sayd hee douted it wold not sarve her

233

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1641

turne ; soe I tould him that if it pleased him to come againe
a Saterday I wold provid as much more. He hath hear sent
you a letter which will shew you the cause of his stay. I must
now impart a great secret to you, which a good freind of mine
hath found out, and hath faithfully promised mee to informe
mee further : it is this John Wiborne that sarvd the M r of the
Roules and now is a sarvant to the Lord Keeper is the man,
and very likly it is soe, for the Lady may make good use of
him in her sutts : ould Wiborne hath bine with the lady
about it. I find the party much taken with the toune and her
company, which under the Rose is none of the best, as I
cane further informe you when I see you next ; thearfor
good cosin, if shee come not doune a cordinge as hee hath
promised, doe not fayle to come upe with all speed as you
tender her good ; but with all lett mee intreat you to doe all
things without noyse or pasion, for it is none but wemen you
have to deale with in this matter, and you will have no satis-
faction from them but scurvy words. In this letter you will
receive one from your second selfe, which I know will make
mine exseptable to your selfe and my Aunt and Cosins. I
present the sarvis and best wishes of her that valews herselfe
as you esteme her

Your affectionat cosin and humble sarvant

No: the 18 1641.

Elizabeth Dallison

CCI

The Letter enclosed from henry oxinden of deane to
HENRY OF BARHAM

[MS. 28,000, f. 134]

CO SIN,

Your unhappie occasions heere and determinations in
your letters gave mee dailie hope to see you heere, a iourney
truly that I ever thought your wisedome would thinke un-
avoidable. This caused the uselysnesse of my hand in
writting, butt neither this nor any other occasion, how grim

234

1641] KATHERINE CULLING

and dismall so ere they appeare in forme or substance, shall
ever meake it and my hart unusefull to serve you, nay verilie
they shall never wither in your service till the commander of
them be dissolv’d. Since nether busines, nor frends, nor
rumors of warre, nor brother, nor sister, nor uncle, nor aunt,
nor beautie nor good companie can invite or draw you to this
loathed of you place, yett cheife cittie of three kingdomes,
ile leave and flie itt, and quitt all the premises to wait on
and serve you, which God willing shall bee some time the
next weeke. Mr. HufEam came in this instant of writing to
my chamber ; hee presents his servis to you and doth promise
himselfe the good hap to carie downe his sister with him on
munday next ; hee wanted ten pounds to discharge her debts
heare, which I sent him to my father to receive. His opinion
and mine agree , that this journey hath don her a great deale of
harme in many respects . For newes, trulie I was never yett
so wise as I could writ any : pray pardon mee therefore ;
that which is is either too uncertaine or too desperate and
dangerous to write, nay some of itt to thinke ; if there be
not a disstemper and confusion in the kingdom farre greater
then hath yett been in the other two, verilie God must worke
wonders and miracles againe, which I beseech him of infinite
mercy to doe. This is the day of iudgement, wherein my
cause is to receive itts finall sentence, which whether itt bee
to my comfort or greife, Te Deum. I will, God willing, goe
out of towne to morrow, being bard of all hope to see you
heere, which trulie hath kept mee heere seaven or eight
dayes ; my busines hath discharged mee longer, itt beeing
readie and prepared a fortnight since, as well as itt is or can
be att the present. Nether is itt convenient that I should bee
present att the hearing ; for some reasons my mother onlie
ought of dutie to bee there ; so that I have had nothing to
doe heere at all but wait for your good companie. Your
brother Richard I feare goes not in this first imployment ;
by reason the lists are all readie full, his coronell goes nott.
To goe somewhat lower then hee did hee can not fayle off
now, but that hee despiseth. Itt is thought itt will bee both

235

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1641

a warre of durance and great profitt ; great invitation for
souldiers if they wil bee contented with their lott. Pray
excuse my abruptnes for I am to goe abroad to dinner and
itt will bee to late, and present my servis to my Aunt, my
cozen James and Elizabeth, and I beseech axept of itt your
selfe from

Your most affectionat kinsman and servant

Henry Oxinden

Novemb. the 18 th
1641

I heere send you a booke of one plot, which if itt bee true,
it is farre inferiour to what is murmur’d.

CCII {Draft)

HENRY OXINDEN to ELIZABETH D ALLISON
[MS. 28,000, f. 364V.]

My most deare Cozin,

The care you have taken in my busines I hope I may live
the day to requite some better wayes than by talkinge at
randome in moone shining nights, and this I beseech you to
beleive, as you shall never here after have the least cause so
much as to suspect to the contrary. The mony which it
hath pleased my kind Aunt to procure for my Charge I shall
as speedily repay as it was lovingly lent. I desier to know the
whole summe shee hath had, and whether I shall send itt up
to London or pay it in the Country. You may now see that
I did not bild my confidence uppon a sandie foundation,
and that I had sufficient ground for my faith ; and though I
am seldome, yet I could very well now have wished I had
bene, deceived in my surmises. You know by this time
whether the partie bee come downe or noe : if shee bee not,
I have had ill fortune, be hers what it will, for I shall bee
concerned in sundrie sutes which will bee the reward of my
faithfullnes.

Great hath bene the Art and cunning of the Ladie and her

236

1641] KATHERINE CULLING

woman to have wrought her to that passe, who till of verie
late, for other that I knew, had shee beene worth a kingdome,
would have prostrated that, selfe and all at my feete. I
thanke you for your intelligence, and for your good advice to
come up speedily to London if she come not downe according
to promise. I would I could as conveniently follow as I do
heartily wish I may have noe occasion to doe soe. I give
you thanks likewise for your politike advise to doe things with-
out noise and passion, and for your making me learnd in the
nature of women (I must beleive a woman speaking of
women), who you say will give no satisfaction but only
scurvy words ; I doe beleive this and worse of them, and
were it not for the ever to be admired vertues in yourselfe and
some of my freinds and kindred of that sexe, I should have
a bad esteem of them all in generall, and thinke them to bee a
bundle of deceit and trust never a one of them no further then
I will ever doe the Lady and her gentlewoman. Now I have
cause to think that

Sure Dan Pluto was an Asse
When as he did carry
Proserpina from this place
In hell with him to tarry :

Had not he a few
Things to discontent him
But he must foully get a new,

A woman to torment him.

Torne with possessed whirle winds let her dy
And dogs bark at her odious memory.

But enough of this. I shall now desire your opinion of this
young maid, who, were she let alone, would have wit enough
to cozin herselfe and put her frends to trouble. I do per-
suade myselfe, if this iorny have no way spoiled her, shee
might bee none of the worst of her sexe. Good Cozin, if you
can possible, save mee a trouble so redy to hand as at this
time, espeacially since my second selfe hath in his letter pro-
mised to be with mee this weeke, and I desire to come up to

237 -

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1641

London uppon no other occasion then to see your selfe, my
unkle and Ant., save very few of the rest of my frends, to
whom I present the service and best wishes of him who values
himselfe as you esteme of him

Your most affectionate Cozin and
humble servant

H. OXINDEN

CCIII

HENRY OXINDEN to ELIZABETH D ALLISON
[MS. 28,000, f. 365V.]

Honored Cozin,

The partie came home uppon Thursday night as her
brother hath informed mee. What hath bene plotted,
attempted or discovered I know nothing from herselfe, hav-
ing not yett seene her. But I kept company with her
brother from 9 in the morning till 12 at night with an intent to
learne of him what I could, and hee assevered thus much unto
me ; that ther was great labouring to get her to have a man
whom they [erasure] confidently and vehemently avouched
to have a very good estate, and that hee was himselfe much
wrought uppon to help effect it, and to that end they pro-
mised to give him a liveinge of good value by the yeare. He
said his answear was that he would not be unfaithfull to his
friend uppon anie tearmes ; but thus much, he sd, he pro-
mised, that if the match were so good as they avouched, if
they would acquaint mee with it, hee would doe all hee could
to effect it ; and herein he thinks hee hath done somewhat
meritorious, and I should have thought soe too, had not hee,
as I told him since, been in great part a cause of her journy,
partly to ingratiate himselfe with the plotters, partly because
hee had a desire to goe to London and have his charges
borne. And this is not lesse certainly true than the rest ; I
was at his house the whole day two dayes before hee took the
iorney. He did not so much as mention her, and as I was
taking horse hee spake concerning her and I tooke no notice

238

1641] KATHERINE CULLING

at all of it ; here uppon, next morning betimes, hee sent a
letter to me to desier mee to supply him with money to fetch
home his sister, and I did accordingly. He was foolish
enough, as he hath since confessed they had a designe uppon
her before she went, though he knew it not in particular, and
was the lesse sollicitous of it confidinge in her discretion.
And the truth is, if he had beene certaine of the living they
promised him, and as certaine hee could have ever handle it,
I have reason to doubt what might have beene the issue : he
was afrayd uppon uncertaine grounds to venture the leste
of that repute which might serve him in stead another time.
Being old enough to know that ready and vigilant men ought
allwayes to seeme to be good that they may bee once bad to
some purpose. I told him that if the plotters could have
helpt him to a living why could they not healp their brother
to one ; hee sd hee thought uppon that when they promised
him one ; however I thanked him for his fidelity : yet I kept
my owne beleife to myselfe. Hee (although hee would have
mee think my selfe much obliged unto him for getting her to
come downe with him) yet, before hee was aware, did tell mee
that she charged him by all meanes to goe with her ; but, sd
shee, in regard the party hath showed mee kindnes, I will
seem to bee unwillinge to leave her company ; but be sure,
sd shee, bee you forward ; and of this ther is some pro-
bability. Yet I am of the beleife shee liked the way shee was
in very well, and would have bene contented to have stayed
longer, but not with an intent to have had the man so much
and soe highly commended to her.

Nothing under heaven more certain then that she had a
desire to see the king’s passage through [London] and that
her keepers were very unwilling to part with her ; for who
would attempt anything of such moment and not, if they
could, effect it. I doe persuade myselfe they left noe stone
unturned that might help with their designe, and amongst the
rest of their plots this was one ; they contrived a letter in her
name to her Sister, wherein was this passage : first she told
that she was safely arrived at]London, and now, sayes shee, I

*39

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1641

desire to heare what my gardian sayes, for I thinke wee did
not leave him well pleased ; and in the answeare to this they
thought to have had matter to have wrought somewhat uppon
her. They likewise put in her head that I had an intent to
inslave her and keepe her all her life at Kingstone, and in
what coulours I was set out unto her by them it is tedious to
relate. But now they have done all they can, though they
have for many months worked like moiles under ground, and
for some weekes like foxes above ground, yet I am very well
assured they shall misse of their intended prey, or else it shall
cost mee a full.

The letter you sent bearing date No: 15, in which was one
incloased from Sir James, I received ; if I had not I should
not bee in quiett, for I would not for a greate deale have any
of your letters in which particular persons are concerned and
writ with so much fredome miscarrie. I thinke I am now of
yeares sufficient to bee trusted with Ladies’ secrets, and
therefore you may the more freely commit one unto my
trust ; I dare assure you they shall not bee revealed to your
preiudice.

When you are assured they recount anything ill of you I
desire to heare thereof ; doubtless they had the lesse cause
if they knew as well as I doe that my Aunt had fulfilled my
request if it had not bene that shee was unwilling to give the
least occasion of distast. But this is the custom of all the
sexe, first to doe wrong and then to hate ; ’twas they that
first iniured (?) my kind Aunt in going about to affront and
cozin her ; then that most respective cozin, her sones most
constant frend and yor most affectionate and faythfull ser-
vant ; and now for sooth, according to their owne guize, they
crie where [ware] first. For my owne part I neither value
their love nor feare their hatred, and in the future mean to
doe with them as we doe at Court, to gather injuries and give
thanks ; such policy, or rather slavery, is to be used to great
personages ; not to men of sorie fortunes. I have learned
that hee that is discontented with any man ought first to
meditate and weigh his owne power, and if they are so power-

240

1641] KATHERINE CULLING

full as that they are able to discover themselves as enemies
and openly oppresse him, then ought he planely goe that
way as [is] least dangerous and more honorable ; and that
hee doth draw on new injuries who neglects to revenge the
old as time shall administer occasion, I shall very well re-
member.

But I hope that none of you will be over much troubled for
what they shall resent ill in that you have done ; sith therein
you have done yourselves right, and perhaps yourselves like-
wise in doing that is both honourable before men and except-
able to God.

I sent last Saturday my man to towne on purpose to en-
quire of Shepheard for a letter, and hee had dd it to one, hee
knew not whom, to bee dd to mee, and it was accordingly,
uppon Sunday after sermon at Barham ; but I was in no
small perplexity till I received it, for I had bene zealous during
this busines that letters might not be intercepted, and those
I have sent I have charged the foote posts to deliver with
their owne hand.

I have sent the 12 1 and paid the Carriage thereof, and re-
maine a debtor to my Aunt for the courtesy ; as allso to her-
selfe and Sir Ja. for all their services. I desire to heare from
you of the receipte of so much on Saturday, and will enquire
at Sheapheard’s for a letter from you, and by him the Thurs-
day following I intend, God willing, to answeare to the other
halfe of your letter, which by reason I was afrayd I had tired
you with imperfect lines, for which I beg your pardon, I
have now omitted. I have made the more bold in being thus
tedious in regard I remembered (as I did conceave) my com-
pany was not thought needefull to any of you : and perhaps
my lines may have the same fortune with myselfe, who you
shall never heare to be other than

Your most obliged cozin and servant

Henry Oxinden

Q

241

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1641
CCIV (Draft)

HENRY OXINDEN to ELIZABETH DALLISON
[MS. 28,000, f. 367]

To My Cozin Dallison
Honored Cozin,

I promised you in my last letter to make answeare to
the other halfe of your letter and I will now perform my
promise. You say you are sorrie you have given mee
occasion to fall soe bitterly uppon the feminine sexe. Truly
for yourselfe you have given mee none, and were all of itt
such as you, I should thinke every woman to excell the rarest
man liveing, and should esteeme myself right happie if I could
obtaine such a woman, and then might I presently enjoy the
hight of that happines here uppon earth which the followers
of the great prophet Mahomed doe soe greadily thirst for and
soe earnestly hope for hereafter ; but alas, (the more is the
pitty) there scarce in many ages lives one like to yourselfe,
whose wisdome and beauty is manifestly such that it will
not admitt of anie paralell, and this you may beleive to bee
true from him whose hand knowes not to write anie thing but
what his hearte doth dictate. I must confesse you are a
cause of my contemning others the more, by why is itt be-
cause they come soe infinitely short of that perfection is in
you that I thinke them to appeare like soe manie monsters in
nature : but perhaps you doe thinke I doe hyperbolize,
though I meane nothing lesse, especially seing it ever hath
and ever shall bee my constant custome to speake the naked
truth to my frends, in despite of the proud, of children and
fooles. But knowing you delight not in hearing your own
deserved praise, (though the best and most delightfull sub-
ject in the whole world) I will desist from any farther men-
tion thereof and only say with Albion’s Eyle

“ A fairer lady never lived and now her like doth lack
And nature, thinke I, never will a second she compact.” 1

1 Warner, Albion's England (Chambers’ ed.), ch. ix p. 526. The lines
apply to Daphles, daughter of King Aganippus.

242

1641] KATHERINE CULLING

And assure yourselfe most deare cozin that if all women in
the world should have affronted mee yett would I for your
sake have pardoned them all, and your merits should have
bene sufficient satisfaction for their originall weaknes, of them
derived from their old grandmother Eve, who would have
her will though it were to eate of that forbidden fruit.
Assure yourselfe I am not out of love with all women,
though I sufficiently know that some of them are as bad as the
Devill himselfe can wish them or possibly make them :

Neither will I for few ofenders blame

All of their sex, nor let a generall shame

For some impostors their whole breed inheritt,

But evrie one bee censured as they meritt ;

Although the two Alcides had their lives
Endangered both by falshood of their wives,

Though false Eriphylae her husband sould
To Polynices for a chain of gold,

Yet did the faire Penelope live chast
While twice five yeares her royall lord did wast
In bloody battels, and as many more
Wandring always every sea and unknown shore.

I am heartily glad of that my Cozin Oxinden’s daughter is
delivered from a Baker, and my Cozin Oxinden himselfe is
no lesse glad (for aught that I feare) then if (God bless her)
shee had beene delivered from the Devill and his dame. I
promised you in my last letter to certify you of what I could
learne from the party concerning the plotters, and I will now
doe it to the utmost of my knowledge : I went over uppon
Tuesday being Dec. 7 to her. I had but little conference
with her but that I had was as followeth. After I had stood
a while strange to her and accused her of taking her journy,
she sd she hoped it was not a fault unpardonable, and herein
she served the Ladie in that every maide (I sayd, when I was
most angry with her, if they take not away her naturall
sences) shee would in the winding up. 1 Afterward enquire-

1 This passage (from f. 368V.) seems to belong at this point.

243

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1641

ing of her whether the Lady did tender her a match, shee
confessed shee did, but she sd she saw not him was wished to
her till a weeke before shee came from London, and sd that
when once the Ladie had breake her mind to her about the
said match, she persisted very violent and importunate with
her during her aboade with her to accept thereof, and she
highly extolled the man, by name Shelton, an Iris of rare
good (if I mistook not her information) both for estate and
for all, and in conclusion threatned her with an after repent-
ence if she refused him. Her answer, as she told mee, was
this :

Madam, if the match you have proposed mee bee so good
as you say (as I have no reason not to beleve) I desire your
Ladyship to healpe Ms Alis Wilford to itt, to whom I can
afford itt. The Lady answeared she knew nothing but that
shee deserved as good a match as she. I asked her how shee
liked the man ; she sd shee had no reason to like him.

I told her I heard she was growne a great gallant in Lon-
don ; she sd shee only bought a blacke silke gownd there,
and that in her father’s time and since shee wore as good. I
asked her, why you did not by a coloured silke gownd ; shee
sd it was not so fitting for her : I told her I would bespeake
her one ; shee sd shee desired to bee excused, for she might
not weare itt. Uppon further discourse I enquired of her if
the plotters, the better to accomplish their ends, did not
cunningly vilify mee to her, and endeavor to put her alto-
gether out of conceit of mee ; she sd there had bene as much
done for that as could possible bee done. I asked her what
her opinion was of mee, now after all this ; she sd the better
for their speaking against mee. After more discourse I told
her I had rather shee had kept company at London with any-
body else then with those she was with, and I doubted her
iorney would not easily out of her head. Then, sd shee, I
might have stayed at London, for I knew my owne power.

In conclusion, her answeares were such, (when she would
answeare at all), that I began to wonder how one of lesse
then 17 should have so much discretion as to say iust so

244

1641] KATHERINE CULLING

much as was fitting to be sd and no more, so that I have a
strong beliefe (considering all things) that shee will never
prove a Gynetta . 1

Sure I am she may have had provocations sufficient, nay I
dare say her company shee was in (att first unknown to her)
was none of the best ; espeacially the mistressis (?) waiting
woman, who was able and perhaps endeavoured to corrupt
her,

Curst may she bee that tryd my Charge to staine,

And wander on the earth wretched as Cain,

Wretched as he and not deserve least pittie , 2
In plaguing her let miserie be wittie ;

Lett all eies shun her and she shun each eie
Till she be noisome as her infamy.

May she without remorse deny God thrice
And not be trusted more on her soules price,

And after all selfe torment, when she dies
May wolves teare out her heart, vultures her eies,
Swine eat her bowels and her lying tunge
That desyved me be to some raven flung,

And let her carrion coarse be a longer feast
To the King’s dogs then any other beast.

Perhaps in regard I am so passionate in her behalfe

you may adjudge me to be in love, and therfore I will here
set down some verses out of Albion’s England which lead to
that censure, they extending not to yourselfe, with [some]
few more, and are as follows :

That not a Q in case of love shall tie mee to consent,

That holde the contrary more true and it no consequent,

1 For Gynetta cf. p. 263. The paragraphs “ I told her, etc.” to “ a
Gynetta ” are not consecutive in the MS., but numbered separately .They
have been arranged as far as possible in the order which Henry Oxinden
apparently intended.

2 “ 1 01 ” in the margin. The verses are quoted, with slight adaptation
from Donne’s poem “ the Expostulation ” (Elegy xvii) ; there, however,
the first line runs “ Curs’d may he be that so our love hath slain ” while
Henry Oxinden has throughout altered the pronouns from the masculine
to the feminine gender. For Donne’s “ his falser tongue, that utter’d
all ”, he has substituted “ her lying tunge that desyved me ”.

245

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1641

Your sex withstands not place and speach, for be shee
base or high

A woman’s eie doth guide her wit and not her wit her
eie. . . .

And since the best, at best, is bad, a shrow or els a sheepe,

Just none at all are best of all and I from all will keepe. . . .

My leasure serves me not to love, till fish as haggards
flie,

Till sea shall flame, till sun shall freese, till mortall men
not dy,

And rivers, climing up their bankes, shall leave their
channels drie.

When this shall be, and I not be, then may I chance to
love

And then the strangest change will be that I a lover prove. 1

But of this more hereafter. I will now acquaint you with a
lover’s abiure (sz'c) which a friend of mine gave mee, but I
desire you to kepe it secret, especially from such women as
have a smale opinion of mee.

Goe and catch a falling starre, etc. Don, p. 3. 2

And yet notwithstanding the abiure I desire you to think that
I have soe much religion in mee as not to put such faith in
abiures as in my creede, neither will I persuade you to say or
thinke ther is any such power in them but that the God of
love may at his pleasure countermand them. I have bene
informed that this all-commanding power is such as causes
mortall men not only to break their words but their Oathes
likewise, nay more, t’is sayd hee hath made Jove himself doe
the like and enjoyned him never to accept them as anie faults
at all, and truly I wonder how he should be faultie that takes
a God for his example, and that this is true see what the
Poet sayes :

Sweet Jove himselfe, etc. p. 27

1 “ p. 41 ” in the margin. Albion's England , loc. cit., ch. ix. p. 528.

2 The line occurs on p. 3 of the 1635 and 1639 editions of Donne’s
Poems.

246

KATHERINE CULLING

1641]

I should not here so abruptly end but that I am now in all
post sent for to my Cozin Oxinden, neither will my paper
suffer mee to write any more but my respects to my unkle
and Aunt and Cozins and to give it you under my hand that
I am

[Unsigned]

ccv

ROBERT COULVERDEN to HENRY OXINDEN
[MS. (Maidstone) Bundle 43. 62]

London the zi u of Novemb r .

Revered Sir,

This may serve to advise you that I have bin since
severall times about your Consernes but could not get any
answer to sattissfaction, but this night the s d Mr. Shoars did
advise with the Curat about your desire as to the cuting of It
out of the book, for he was not willing to doe it of himself
without asking him the question : and It is Like they dare
not doe it by any means, for feare of future danger : and
theare is noe bearing of them harmeless for this Case : but
for thear Care in keeping of It Private from any Person you
may Rellye upon them, for thay have taken such good notice
of the Names as not to forget It. If it be this two yeare and
for their fidellety you need not feare thayr (?) discovery. I
have Promised the sd Shoars to give him fourty shilling this
time twelve mounths : your bro: James is now in London
whome I Intend to drink a glase [of] wine with all this Night,
which is all that offers at Present. Pressenting my Service
to yourself and the Person unknown, I Remaine your
humble servant to Comande

Robt. Coulverden . 1

1 Cf. Introduction, p. xxxii.

247

1641] KATHERINE CULLING

God in his good time in mercy to looke upon us. Thus with
the remembrance of my true Respect and Love to you
I rest

Your truly loving brother

ever att Command

Thomas Barrow

London this 24^ <) her 1641

CCVII (Draft)

HENRY OXINDEN to THOMAS BARROW
[MS. 28,000, f. 389]

Good Brother,

I doubt not but that at the receipt of this letter you
will wonder, in regard you, in the rome thereof, expected my-
selfe, but when you have read farther I doubt not but I shall
give you good satisfaction : first it is well knowne to my
Cozin Oxinden, who is now in the cuntry, that I am not in
verie good health, being soe extremely trubled with the
Cholick that though hee earnestly requested mee to goe but
halfe a mile with him I was not able, and this can assure you
of. I will speake nothing of the nearnes of Christmas, and
how much heavy busines I have in hand at this time, and of
the badnes of the weather and waies, in regard they shuld
have bene noe obstacle to my mynd which was willing to
perform your lo[ving] request. I trust you doe beleve
mee and therfore I will say noe more thereof. My Cozin
Oxinden cannot bee in London before Christmas ; whom I
acquainted with your mind in case it had bene a sonne, who
hath entred into a Contract with me, that if you will take the
paines to get one, to come from the furthest parts of the
kingdom to make it a Christian, and wee two can truly desire
that wee may have the honour to performe our promise ; and
had this beene one, hee would certainly have come to Lon-
don on purpose and I uncertainly, whether alive or dead. If
I could have come now I could not have made above 2 or 3
dayes stay at the most and it would have been no small grefe

249

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1641

to mee to have left you soe soone. My Cozin and I are re-
solved God willing to come after Christmas, on purpose to
be merry with you and stay some convenient while in the
Cittie.

If you have otherwise determined then that I shall bee a
Godfather to a boy hereafter, then I shall desire you will
accept of a friend of mine, whom you nor the Ladys will not
dislike of to bee deputy for mee ; and I have writ to my
Cozin Dallison about it ; the partie is my bro: Captaine
Richard Oxinden, who I know will doe soe much for mee.
I am glad to heare my sister is soe well after her travell. My
mother appointed mee to remember her to my sister and
your selfe ; I heard her say shee would write to the Lady
Oxinden to heare of my bro: Adam and I beleve shee hath ;
shee speaks of coming to London ere long bee : sure I am,
wheresoever she goe, shee will not allway es stay at one place.
I desire you to speake in love to my sister and my Cozins,
and let her know that I am sorry it soe falls out that I could
not doe her that service in person which I soe heartyly de-
sired. I pray God to blesse my nece that is newly come into
this distracted world with happier lines then I have yet
seene, and grant that shee may forsake the Deill and all his
works, etc., and after this life enioy the other, in which is
such joyes prepared for her as neither eie hath seene nor eare
hath heard, nor can enter into my heart : and this desire for
the merits of Jesus Christ, to whose protection I commit you
all, and rest

Your most affectionate bro:

H. O.

CCVIII {Draft)

HENRY OXINDEN tO ELIZABETH DALLISON

[MS. 28,000, f. 369]

Honored Cozin,

My brother Barrow hath requested me to come up to
London to be a witnes for his daughter, the causes why I

250

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From Brit Mus Add MS 28,000 f 378 b

1641] KATHERINE CULLING

could not I have truly expressed unto him, and I hope satis-
fyed him in them. I am very sorry I could not, both in
regard of my brother Barrow’s desire, as allsoe that I have
missed the honour to have two such partners as I dare boldly
say London cannot equall ; and whosoever shall deny this,
I shall impute either to their malice or their ignorance or
both. I have requested my brother Barrow that I may be
reserved to doe him service upon hee shall have a sonne : if
hee will needes have mee promis for this, I must doe it by a
deputie ; and therefore I have written this incloased letter
to my brother Captain Richard Oxinden to doe soe much for
mee and I desire you, if occasion serve, to give it him and to
let him have 10s for the midwife and 10s the day nurse ; but
if my brother barrow give over, as it is likely hee will, in
regard my Cozin Oxinden and I are ingaged to christen his
next sonne ; then pray kepe the letter and the monie to be
otherwise disposed of. I spake to my cozin Oxinden to
desire you to by mee a high blacke fashionable hat, at about
18 s price, and such a kind of gold and silver hatband as my
brother Richard’s, if it soe bee in the fashion, and as many
ribands to it as anie were. I desire you likewise to buy mee a
dozen and a halfe of gold and silver long buttons for a short
coat, such as you thinke will bee sutable to the Lace you
bought to my scarlet shute ; and may not exceed i 1 the
dozen. I desire likewise one of the best new fashion plaine
bands and cuffes you can gett. I desiere these things uppon
Sat. next. There is one thing that I heare since the writing
of the foresd Order, viz. a letter written from my Lady
Baker, which an acquaintance of mine shewed mee, wherein
were these words :

Let the partie know that it is sure and certen but shee
will repent the refusing of the match. Tis sure the Lady in
the conclusion will find herselfe mistaken, for as I am in-
formed the man she so highly extolled is but a servant and
of noe estate ; however the Partie knowes not so much, but
had shee bene assured hee had bene a greater match then the
Lady extolled him to bee, yet for a cause that I know she would

251

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1641

not have exepted of him. Cozin I will now acquaint you
with a great secret of my owne ; which I have revealed to
none but my Cozin Oxinden and have enjoyned him silence.
My mother conjectures at itt, and I doubt dislikes it, and for
that, though she bee my mother, I could wish her in another
world if she shall persever in her dislike ; and to tell you the
plaine truth I cannot but hate any body living that shall but
say one word (though it bee out of a good meaning to mee),
to dissuade mee from my intention ; I should have sd
peremptory resolution, or rather absolute conclusion.

I am resolved, nor can the fates of menne Resist my vows,
though hills were sett on hill And seas mett seas, yett I would
through, nay, such a conclusion is made in heaven, and waits
but its celebration here uppon earth ; nay will be consum-
mated, in great privacy (though not in very great hast).
However it is like the Law of Medes and Persians’ unalter-
able seals, that death itselfe, which hath power to alter many
things, cannot hinder this ; nay I doe strongly beleive it being
not in the power of all the Deills in hell nor Devills upon
earth, for such [I] shall esteme them that goe about such a
worke, to breake that True loves knot which hath asked noe
small time to knitt together and lett it bee knowne that

All Love tresured once growes passionate and fades.

Pardon me most deere Cozin that I could noe longer con-
ceale my affection to one of whom I can truly say this

So lovely semes my faire whom I have won
That Nature wepes and thinkes herselfe undone
Because she takes more from her then she leaves
And of such wondrous beauty her bereaves, 1

and in this case it is a matter almost impossible for anie soul
which is surround with the walls of mortality to hide up the
couler of his affection soe cloase but that some embers thereof
will one way or other appear,

Oh none have power but Gods their love to hide,
Affection hiden her eie can be discride,

1 These lines are Henry Oxinden’s, cf. MS. 28,009, f. 87.

252

1641] KATHERINE CULLING

The light yhidde ever itselfe discovers,

And soe it is, ever betrayes poor lovers.

I must confesse I had thought not to have revealed this I
have done, but I could noe longer keepe my owne consell,
being overjoyed to heare that you tell mee.

Who knowes not heaven with such a love is given,

and amongst the rest myselfe, whom I cannot esteeme other-
wise then most happie in regard I thinke that heaven with
this my love is given, and who for earth would leas the enjoy
of heaven, to which I desire the father of every good and
perfect gift in his good time to send

Your most faithfully devoted servant

H. O.

253

PART VI. December 1641 to August 1642

ON THE BRINK OF CIVIL WAR

INTRODUCTORY

i. Public Events

Henry Oxinden of Deane (Letter CCIX) describes the growth of
religious disunion which marked with fanatical outbursts the late
autumn of 1641 ; he declares that Lord Saye’s arguments repre-
sent his own point of view, having probably in mind a speech de-
livered earlier in the year in which Fiennes condemned the de-
pendance of the bishops on royal favour and their holding
of secular office. 1 Henry approves the 44 great Remonstrance
of the State of the Church and Kingdom ” with religious
fervour, having it ever 4 4 in beleefe and reverence of all human
scripture ”.

It will be remembered that the Remonstrance summarised the
religious crisis in these words, 44 our meddling with the power of
Episcopacy hath caused sectaries and conventicles, when idolatry
and Popish ceremonies, introduced into the church by command
of the Bishops, have not only debarred the people from thence
but expelled them from the kingdom ”. 44 4 No Popery ’ was the

cry on one side ”, is Gardiner’s comment on this passage, 44 4 No
sectarian meetings ’ was the cry on the other. 4 No toleration ’
was the cry on both.” Changes are now going forward in the
Royal Household ; in December, the Duke of Richmond, is
made Lord High Steward ; Mr. Edward Nicholas, hitherto
Clerk of the Council, is knighted and appointed one of the Secre-
taries of State ; Sir Henry Vane is dismissed from his post.

The intention of sending men and ammunition to quell the
Irish rebellion is still unfulfilled ; for the Impressment Bill,
although passed by the Commons, meets with opposition in the
Lords because of the preamble denying the royal and ancient pre-
rogative to compel men to military service outside the borders of
their own counties (Letter CCXI).

1 Gardiner, ii. p. 189.

254

THE BRINK OF CIVIL WAR

The Oxinden correspondents do not touch on the attempt on
the Five Members, which made the outbreak of Civil War at last
inevitable. In view of the gathering of armed bands of Cavaliers
the Commons now proposed to call out the Trained Bands in
counties bordering on Surrey and Buckinghamshire ; the Lords
determined that the order should be made general for all England.
Watches were to be set, magazines furnished ; no levy of soldiers
nor delivery of castles or forts was to be “ without his Majesty’s
authority signified by both Houses of Parliament ” ; Sheriffs were
notified of their duty to preserve the peace. The Cavaliers at
Kingston, Surrey, were now dispersed by the Trained Bands, and
Charles, too late realising that he could no longer expect support
in the North or in Wales, issued a conciliatory message to the
Houses, 4 4 in exquisite languige ” (Letter CCXXIV).

At this point Henry Oxinden of Deane takes up the thread,
writing on Jan. 25th, 1642, and again a few days later from West-
minster, 44 that great sphere of Activitie which now whirles about
three whole Kingdoms ” (Letter CCXXI) ; he describes with
enthusiasm the speech m which Pym presented in the House of
Lords petitions from London, Middlesex, Hertfordshire and
Essex, in support of parliamentary control of the militia and other
means of national defence, and the opposition he there met with. 1

The letters vividly picture the anguish of a nation face to face
with civil strife ; they send news of the Artificers’ Petition on
Jan. 31st, of the misery of the craftsmen through the stagnation of
trade, of the great concourse of starving women-petitioners in
Palace Yard. 2 Counsels of despair set about rumours of the hire
of Danish soldiers, who were to land at Hull, 3 and of the arrival of
French and Spanish troops ; the total loss of Ireland is predicted.

Sir Edward Dering, of Surrenden Dering near Pluckley, is
working his own ruin by the publication of inflammatory speeches :
his book is ordered to be burnt and he is sent to the Tower. There
is such a run on the obnoxious volume it is soon unobtainable for
love or money.

The Duke of Richmond is arraigned before both Houses on
three charges ; the first of calling an adjournment in the Lords
rather than they should come to any decision on Pym’s proposal ;
the second of remissness in the prosecution of Sir Thomas
Jermyn, the Queen’s trusted counsellor, (declared a traitor,
Aug. 13th, 1641, on his flight to France), and of Henry Percy,
brother of the Earl of Northumberland (concerned in a Royalist

1 Cf. Gardiner, ii. 412-418. 2 lb. pp. 420, 431. * lb. p.410.

255

THE OXINDEN LETTERS

army plot) ; the last, of suborning the burgesses of Dover,
(Letter CCXXIV, “ Remiss in the proseqution of Persies and
Jerman business ”, etc.). “ Parliament ”, says the writer, “ is
removed this day to Mercers 1 Hall : the reason is unknowne

Elizabeth Dallison adds a postscript to her letter of Feb. 7th,
1641, about the Queen’s departure for Holland, where Sir
Thomas Jermyn and Walter Montague, a Catholic gentleman, as
well as Lord Digby, who had fled to Middelburg, already await
her (Letter CCXXVII).

Henry of Barham’s local news budget includes a visit of King
Charles to Canterbury where he climbed Bell Harry Tower, and to
the Bulwark at Dover, commanded by Sir Anthony Percevall
(Letters CCXXVI, cf. CCXXX).

The King’s “ graceous answer ” on Feb. 6th expresses his
readiness to entrust the forts and militia to the nominees of the
Parliament and promises to drop all proceedings against the five
members. In May 1642 the Lord Keeper Lyttelton carries off
the Great Seal to the King at York, a step which Henry of Deane
considers of great consequence (Letter CCXXXII). The “ new
remonstrance ” of Letter CCXXXVI refers presumably to the
Nineteen Propositions presented by the Houses to King Charles
on June 2nd. In several shires there are now musters in accord-
ance with the Militia Ordinance of Parliament : this is not at
first sent to Kent. In June 1642 the King prohibits the execution
of the Ordinance, and issues Commissions of Array, directing the
Trained Bands to place themselves at the disposal of officers
appointed by himself. The Oxindens 5 neighbours are divided in
allegiance : Sir Thomas Palmer and Anthony Hammond are
appointed Commissioners of Array ; Colonel Edwyn Sandys
(“ Ned Sands ”) promptly furnishes twenty horse for the Parlia-
ment (Letter CCXXXIX) ; Henry of Deane feels himself between
Scylla and Charybdis. East Kent on the whole is for the Parlia-
ment, West Kent for the King (Letter CCXL).

2. Private Affairs

James Oxinden’s opportunity comes ; by the combined efforts
of his brother Henry, of Sir James and of the Partherich relations,
(who have interests in the parish through Lady Partherich’s father,
Edward Fagge of Faversham), he is presented with the living of
Goodnestoneby Faversham (Letters CCXIV, CCXVIII, CCXIX)
Henry Oxinden pursues his courtship of Katherine Culling and
pours out confidences to Elizabeth Dallison (Letters CCXIV,
CCXVIII, CCXXII). His uncle and aunt give their consent to

256

THE BRINK OF CIVIL WAR

his marriage, but his mother is difficult, and maintains u a paine-
full and moody cogitation ” (Letters CCXXVII and CCXXVIII).
Henry of Deane protests against his cousin’s pursuit of Venus
instead of Mars at their country’s crisis (Letter CCXXI).

James, once beneficed, becomes a party man (Letter CCXXX).

The affairs of Adam Oxinden, who is out of work again, cause
his family anxiety (Letters CCXXXIII, CCXXXIV).

CCIX

HENRY OXINDEN OF DEANE to HENRY OF BARHAM

[MS. 28,000, f. 163]

COSEN,

Wee live heere in the west, and our newes doth much
resemble our Situation ; you live in the East and South of
occurrencies, and therefore in vaine and absurde were itt for
mee to make a retrograde of knowledge praeposest. For
these parts, they are devided into so many sects and shismes
that certainly itt denotes the latter day to bee very neare att
hand. Some whereof denie St. Paul and upbraid him with
bragging, fantasticall and inconstant ; others say that there
is noe nationall church, and so seperat fro us and the puri-
tans as being no true church, of which kind heere are a great
number. There is an other which preach against the keeping
of holidayes and Christmas day, and exhort the people to
follow their vocation thereon, and in their pulpits vilifie and
blaspheme our saviour’s name, affirming that itt aught to bee
of no more account then Jack or Tom, and begin to denie the
sacrament to noted sinners or drunkards, etc., and these are
puritans ; there is an other and they are conformalists, and
they risort most to this place ; preists which must needs have
a specious, pompious religion, al glorious without ; bishops
must continue their dignities and authoritis least dispis’d
and brought into contempt. For answer to which, and many
other frivolus objections, I referre you to my lorde say his
speech, whose arguments doe very much satisfie mee. I
have very lately received the remonstrance which tho

R 257

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1641

blasted by some, yett for my part I shall ever have itt in
beeleefe and reverence of all human scripture. Pray lett
mee heere some newes from you, and whether you will
call mee heere as you goe to London about 7 or 8 dayes
before the terme, att which time I must goe. My servis
pray present to the Partie and exept itt yourselfe from
Your most affectionatt cosen

and humble Servant

Henr: Oxinden

[Probably from Leeds , November 1641]

CCX

THOMAS BARROW to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 28,000, f. 140]

Lovinge Brother,

I received your letter with i2 u the which soe soone as
ever I received according to your order I delivered to my
Lady Oxinden . I am hartily sorry that my mother should take
any offence, butt for this I praye God I finde myselfe noe
way guilty of any offence to her, for I have indeavoured to
please her and to doe my best for my brother Adam’s good
as iff he had beene my owne Child ; att your earnest request
I sent you word what I thought concerning my brother his
further serving and happily [haply] shee take that ill ; I will
have patience till shee hath further confidence of itt and
then happily shee will be better satisfied. I doe most kindly
thank you for your readines to doe mee soe frendly an office.
I spake to my Cosen Dallison about Captaine Oxinden, whoe
hopes he will be about thatt time in towne, and iff he be I
shall be bould to require that favour, the which I hope hee
will not refuse mee for. ... 1

Here is nott any newes, onely (but that’s noe newes) the
Sectaries repayres to Westminster with swords and staves
and professe they will have noe Bishops ; having noe other

1 Twelve lines omitted re Adam Jull’s debts.

258

1641] the brink of civil war

newes nor busines but onely to pray you to remember mine
with my wives our duty to my mother, with the remembraunce
of our best respects, love and servise to you, I rest

Your truly loving brother ever att Comand

Thomas Barrow

London this zd
io* m 1641

CCXI

JOHN, BISHOP OF ROCHESTER to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 28,000, f. 142]

Sir,

I have desired Mr. Lyne to discharge you of the
valeew of monie and to give all iust and due discharge and
allowance.

Sithence the King's returne we dayly treat of sending men
and amunition into Ireland. I pray the manner of acting
prove not so longe disputable till the matter be in danger of
loosing ; for a great parte of the question is risen out of the
preface of the Bill for pressing souldiers, in whose power it is
to presse them.

The Duke of Richmond is lately made Lord high steward,
Mr. Nicholas, late Clerke of the Councell, is knighted and
made one of his Ma ties Secretaries. It is expected dayly that
the King will have an other newe one, for Sir Henr. Vane
hath geven up the Signet, and in his other place is the Lord
Savill. The Parliament busines goes slowly on, which makes
us deeme that another yeare will hardly give an happie end,
and yet that it might be sooner is the desire of many.

Your assured friend to serve you

Jo: Roffens.

Dr . Weever’s in
Westn? qth Dec . 1641

*59

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1641
CCXII

THOMAS BARROW to HENRY OXINDEN
[MS. 28,000, f. 144]

Lovinge Brother,

I have rec d your letter and am well satisfyed with your
promise for the next boy, and I doubt nott, God permittinge
us life and health, but ere Itt be long I shall call both my
cozen and yourselfe to the performance of itt. I shall ever
acknowledge my selfe exedingly obliged to my Cosen and
yourselfe for your reall expressions ; there shall never bee
wanting in mee a ready minde and will to performe any
service whattsoever you shall comand iff it lyeth in mee.

I carried your letter to my Cozen Dallison with the foure
pounds and shee told mee shee was to send some things
downe, wherefor I sentt the ell of holland to her, and itt is
such holland that you may be seene to weare itt before the
fayrest Lady in Kentt, for there is hardly better worne.
Newes here is nott any good, wherefore with the remem-
brance off my true love to you, praying you to remember
myne with my wives dutyes to my mother, our loves to my
brother James and sister Eliza, I rest

Your truly loving brother att Comand

Thomas Barrow

London 16th December 1641

CCXIII

SIR JAMES OXINDEN to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 28,000, f. 145]

Good Nephew,

This afternoon being Tuesday notice was given me
by my sister Partrich that Mr. Hunt of Goodneston died on
Sunday night last, whereupon I went to them, and about
sixe of the clocke my brother came home, so it was resolved
betweene us that I should goe to my Lord Saye’s Secretary,
to prepare a peticion to his Lordship, which I did, and have

260

1641] THE BRINK OF CIVIL WAR

desired him to make stay of any suters that shall come in the
meane time. I cannot say what end the busines will have,
yet we hope well, but sure t’is fit my nephew James do pre-
sently come up, that he may see how the busines is carried.
I thinke few dayes will put an end to it, and therefore
hasten him all you can up. I and my Cosin Barrowe last
Munday met with Mr. Broke, Adam’s master, with whom we
have ended the busines concerning my Cosin Adam, more
whereof you shall heare the next time I write to you, only this
much I will tell your mother, that he is resolved to goe to
sea and I hope will get a good place, so I rest

Your lovinge uncle

James Oxinden

21 st Dec . 1641

Pray commend my love to my sister and my neece. John
Rusbridge being come to goe for Deane I knewe not wherin
better to employ him. I pray pay him his horse hire.

CCXIV (Draft)

HENRY OXINDEN to ELIZABETH D ALL ISON
[MS. 28,000, f. 370 V.]

Honored Cozin,

The longest of these inclosed measures is the circum-
ference of my head ; the other twice the length, the stockes
of my band and cuffes. Of my 4 desires two I have r[eceive]d,
the buttons and holland you sent, you chose and therefore I
like. I perceive my Cozin Henry Oxinden hath kept my
letter so long as it will come unseasonably to you : hee would
needs goe and see my by you stiled mistris (and seing you
have given her that stile I thinke my selfe you were just) ;
hee much extolled her to me, and I have noe reason to thinke
hee dissembled ; you have commended her carriage, and for
her wit (I might have s[ai]d wisdom) and beautie they very
much please mee, and I shall be infinitely sorryfull if they
should displease or disparage my best friends.

261

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1641

Thrice hath the sovraigne of the day compleated his owne
proper corse since I grew first acquainted with her, and ever
since I have had much tryall of her and, saving where Beauty
hath afected mee so farr as I have not spared my utmost
endeavors, I have used such art as hath not fayled with
others, and yet I could by no meanes prevaile with her ; and
after my tryall, I find her very fit to make a wife of . . . ,

Out of respect to whom I chose rather to marrie to pre-
iudice myselfe without advice and consell than to prove soe
ingratefull as to reiect it and to beare an ill will for itt. I
must confess when I first saw my M s I loved but could not
till now say I was in love with her.

I doe now begin to be of the Lady Oxinden’s belefe that
marriages are made in heaven, and what is concluded there
all the wit of man cannot hinder, and this I say, because,
though I ever loved my M s , yet I endeavoured not to be in
love with her, at least wise so as not to marry her ; not be-
cause I did not thinke her vertuous or beautifull or of discent
good enough for me, but because I did (and yet doe some-
what) feare and tremble to thinke of entring into a married
life in which I can doe nothing measurable but beget children,
and that every foole may doe as well as a wise man : loath
was I to set up Hercules pillars to my ambitious thought, in
which I tooke noe lesse pleasure then in the injoyment of a
perfect happinesse. Greved was I to think that the whole
world was made for me and I must bee chained and fetered
to one poor corner of a parish, and that for a small fortune (at
least wist soe by all concerned) rating my libertie at a high
rate. Nay, beleve mee deare Cosin, I did apply all the
remedies I could to cure the wound which the God of love
had given mee and not one of them would doe it.

All my experiments which have formerly stood me in
some sted would now doe mee no good at all : I have tryed
to cure my selfe by labour, art and friendship, nay I have
practised the heathen philosophers’ rule, to drive out one
love with another as they doe a fever. I have read over
sundrie authors uppon this subiect ; as Avicen, Savanorola’s

262

1641] THE BRINK OF CIVIL WAR

nine principall observations, Jason Pratensi his 8 rules,
Laurentius his two maine precepts, Arnoldus, Valleriola,
Montaltus, Hildesheim, Longinus and others, and all to
little purpose ; I turned all over Ores’ booke of the remedy
of love and I wondered at him for seing his book by that
title, nay I find nothing in would doe me one farthing’s worth
of good. I have tryed to cure myself by exercise and diet
and fasting. I have endeavoured to hinder it in its first
growing ; in the bargaine I have kepte a whole quarter of a
year out of her company. I have endeavoured to call to
mind the weaknes of most women, their pride, their dis-
simulation, their uncertainty. I have read the storie of
Gynetta and Erickmon, how that she

impudently grew toyous in the end,

A supersedeas for her love was every newcome frend,

And being now in much request and waxing proud of
favour,

By artificiall pride she changed her naturall behavour.

1 had then patience to heare him say :

. . . Sweare that women be untrewe,

Their love is but a mummerie or as an Aprill’s dew,

Got with a Toy, gon with a toy, gifts, flattery, gawdes or
wine

Will make her check, and flie to game lesse faire perhaps
then thine.

If such they are (as such they are) and will bee whilst
they bee,

Why am I then soe true of love ? because not borne a shee. 1

2 ... I have seene the embleme of those birds that fed
about a cage, so long as they could fly away at their pleasure
liked well of it, but when they were taken and might not get
loose, though they had the same meate, pined away for
sullenness and would not eate. 2 ... I have tryed Philters,

1 Albion’s England , loc. cit p. 588 (bk. vii. ch. 36).

2 A few of Henry’s protracted experiments to cure Love are here
omitted.

263

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1641

Chaceters and Chales and all to such purpose as if I had run
my head ag* a post : I must confesse in my reading I met
with one probable cure, t’is s[ai]d ther is a renowned rock
in Surre called Leucetra petra of which Strabo writes, from
which rock if any lover fling himself down headling he may
instantly be cured ; but I am a bad [word missing] and am
loath to goe soe far as to experience it . 1 . . . Good cozin,
take so much pitie on me as to excuse me both to yourselfe
and friends for promising my selfe to one who presented all
temptations of the world, the flesh and the Devill only uppon
uncertaine hopes of a man soe little deserving as myselfe,
and who had no way invited soe much at her hands. When
I censured her for her jumy to London (which fait I never
could impute properly to her)

To make amends poore Cate with yielding eies
Shee offer’d up herself a sacrifice,

To slake my anger if I were displeased,

O what God would not therewith be appeased.

I have not time to write what I would, in regard it is late
and I must goe tomorrow to dinner to Mr. John Swan’s, who
hath a daughter to be Xhied. Sir William Thompson is
godfather, the Ladye Thompson is deputie for Mr. Boys of
Elmston and my sister Eliz. for my mother. I would write
to my Unkle and Aunt, were it not that I accompt it all one
in writing to you as if I wrot to them, and I am well con-
tented that they, but none but they, may see my letters, which
I should be more wary in seing had you wrot somewhat in
yours to mee which I knew you would not out to many. I
desire some news ag 1 Xtmas, and such pamphlets as are
come out this weeke, and to have my respects remembred
to my unkle and Ant and Cozins, and I doe earnestly beg of
you not to thinke I dissemble when I sweare myselfe to bee
Your trewly affectionat cozin and servant

H. OXINDEN

*A few of Henry’s protracted experiments to cure Love are here
omitted.

264

1641] the brink of civil war

Cozin, pray if hereafter you light upon a good penyworth
in a necklet of about io 1 price let mee know of it ; the like
of a ring.

[Dec. 22, 1641]

CCXV

SIR JAMES OXINDEN to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 28,000, f. 146]

Good Nephewe,

I writt to you on Tuesday night for your brother
James to come up, who I have some hope to see heere this
night or shortly after. I cannot say any thinge of certenty,
not more then before, but for ought I see he must venture it.
Only I would have you get certificates from the puritan
divines of his ability in learning and civill conversacion, as
Mr. Aide, Mr. Swan, and as many as you can of that society,
and to send up, if he be come away already, his testimony
where he was made minister, and send it away after him as
soone as you can without sending post haste, I meane but by
the ordinary post. Thes things ar thought fit to be done
that they may be in a readines if occasion should be, which
I pray to God hartely may be. So in hast I rest
Your affectionate uncle

James Oxinden

23 Dec . 1641

CCXVI

HENRY OXINDEN to SIR JAMES OXINDEN
[MS. 28,000, f. 373 V.]

Noble Sir,

I have procured as many hands of the puritan divines
for my brother as I could conveniently in soe short and busy
a time as this is. I can here of very few in our partes, inso-
much it doth put mee in mind of the little flock to whom it is
their Father’s good will to give a kingdome unto. I under-

265

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1641

stand Mr. Hathway has a broile allready uppon my Lord
Say, and therefore I have procured his hand as much
advantaging. I know not whenne hee was made minister
and therefore must refer you to himselfe for it.

[Unsigned]

CCXVII

HENRY OXINDEN to CERTAIN PURITAN DIVINES
[MS. 28,000, f. 373V.]

Reverend Sir,

My brother James is in some hopes of getting a
benefice, and he is to have my Lord Saye’s good will, and to
that end is it required that he have a testimonial, under the
hands of the godliest divines, of his ability in scholarship. I
desire yours and those you can procure. It must bee sent up
by this Thursday nexte and therefore, after your subscription
and such as you can gett, I pray put it up with my letter and
seale them up, and so bee dd. to Sheapheard, to bee dd as is
adressed uppon the Letter.

We whose names are underwritten doe certify whosoever
it may conceme that the bearer hereof, Mr. James Oxinden, is
a man of good and honest report amongst us, of a sober
studious and temperat life and conversation, well approved
of for his learning, orthodoxe doctrine, good abilities and
gifts for the ministry. The truth of which premises wee
doe assure and testify under our hands.

Dec . 25. 1641.

John Swan, Rector of Denton.

Moses Capell, Rector of Betshanger
James Hathway [Vicar of Chislett]

Francis Drayton [at some time of St. Mary
Bredin, Canterbury].

266

1641] THE brink of civil war
CCXVIII (Draft)

HENRY OXINDEN to ELIZABETH DALLISON
[MS. 28,000, f. 372]

[Leicester’s Commonwealth, a scurrilous libel on Robert Dudley,
Earl of Leicester, long attributed to the Jesuit Robert Parsons,
and called from the green-edged leaves of the original edition
“ Father Parsons’s Green Coat,” is now understood to be the
anonymous work of a courtier. It was first printed at Antwerp
in 1584 and again in London, 1641, being suppressed in October
of the same year. Evidently Henry Oxinden wished to secure
this reprint for comparison with a copy of the earlier issue.]

Honoured Cozin,

I have r[eceive]d my hat, which is very fit and I like
very well thereof, as allsoe of my band and ribbing : my cuffes
are fit, but my band is about halfe an inch to big in the
stock : it proves that they are worn with narrower liens then
not long since. I am indebted to be gratefull unto you for
your care and paines in sending them, as alsoe for the bookes,
which at these times stand mee good sted : I could wish to
have more uppon Sat y next. I spoke to my brother James to
write mee some newes and to send me down the latest
pamphlets ; pray acquaint him with those you send least hee
send the same. I desire Leicester Commonwealth to see
how it difers from ours.

You say in your letter that you taxed mee with dissembling
because that you r[eceive]d a letter wherein I disclaymed all
the sex, etc. : and in a short time after I extolled the sex
beyond meritt. Truly Cozin, according to my best remem-
brance the words in my letter were, that if it were not for the
vertues of yourselfe and some others of my friends and
kindred I should, etc.

You charge mee in your letter with breach of promise to
your father. Truly according to my best remembrance my
promise to Sir James was in these very words, and it was at
the upper end of my table in my great parlour : that I would
not marry without acquainting him with it, nor without his
consent ; and this promise in truth so run in my head that

267

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1641

my M s can beare witnes that I told her of itt : and said I
would ever love her and honour her, but till I had obtained
his consent I could not marrie her, and thereuppon I asked
her how long shee would stay for mee. Shee told mee as
long as I pleased, and it will much please mee to abstaine
from the fruition of my cheifest desires till I have obtained
that licence of him which I dare say my owne father if hee
were alive, would be an earnest petitioner to him to con-
descend unto. For such an opinion had hee of her even
from her first entrance into life that he did solemnly promise,
before Almighty God and a whole congregation, that she
shuld forsake the world, pomp and glory thereof, the carnall
desires of the flesh, together with the Devill and all his
workes ; and whose word ought I sooner to take for truth, or
to whom doe you thinke would hee sooner commend such
an one, then to his best beloved sonne.

And now doe I most humbly beg of him and my Aunt and
yourselfe that you will bee pleased to grant mee your con-
sents to enjoy her whom I have a great deale of reason to love,
to comfort and honour, and only in regard of her forsaking
all other would intrust herselfe and fortune with mee to tee
absolutely disposed of according to my good will and pleasure.
Let this I beseech you for the present satisfy you, till I have
time to answeare the latter part of your letter, wherein you
have showed yourselfe a true friend to her to whom I am
bound in conscience in due time to approve myselfe a lover
and honourer by respecting those deare pledges of hers and
mine, and doing that may give satisfaction to any whom I
shall vouchsafe to lett understand my occasions and deter-
minations. In the meane while give mee leave a little
to further examine my M s beauty, person and discretion, for
approving which you have most infinitly obliged mee unto
your noble selfe, to whom shee must give mee leave to bee
A most affectionate servant

H. OXINDEN

Dec . 29. 1641

268

1641] the brink of civil war

1 Cozin, it is now Christmastide, and I have little leisure to
write what I would to you, both in regard of her company, as
allsoe being imployed in getting hands in approbation of my
brother James : if I had had time I should have desired you
to have wrot some few lines to my mother, insinuating unto
her that the party I am to have is not like to prove a dispar-
able wife to mee. I will tell you that she is of nature high-
minded, and thinks (though in words she doe not expresse so
much) that it will bee a great dishonour to her to have a young
daughter succeede in her place : not remembring the rocke
from whose body herselfe and I am hewen, she will lay mee
to bee uppon remarrying haveing found out an occasion for it.

I cannot persuade her to lett my Mistris bee with her
during the time of her aboade here, thogh I should thinke in
reason it could not bee amisse, but is soe determined that is
almost as easy to remove a mountain as her from her will and
painefull and moody cogitations.

Shee is but part of one estate betwene us all, yett (though
she cannot iustly except ag* my charge in it), she cannot let
bee, content to have it spent in the most commendable way.

If my mother had any sutes at London, or were of an
active disposition etc, there might bee some reason of her
often going to London, but as the case stands with her, I can
see none.

CCXIX (Draft)

SAME tO SAME

[MS. 28,000, f. 373V.]

Honoured Cozin,

I have not had the happines to heare from you this
weeke but only by my brother James, who certifyed mee of all
your healths and of the great paines Sir James and the rest of
his friends did take for the procuring him the benefice, for
which next under God hee is most obliged to him and my
Ant and y ourself e.

1 The MS. is here much erased : possibly another letter begins at this
point.

269

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1641

I am now to tender the humble respects of my most every
way to me accomplished Ms to yourselfe, who desired me to
write to you to send mee word what is the newest and
cheapest fashion to furnish my bed in my great chamber over
the hall, and your advice therein ; I did desire her to please
herselfe in the direction, who sayd she could no way please
her selfe soe well in a busines as to be directed by one who
had knowledg and experience in a matter wherein she had
little or none. She is willing to worke it herselfe and I can
not see reasons ag 1 it : she was at my house this Christmas
till today, and she hath so far wrought uppon my mother that
she used her kindly, so as I hope that time may bring her not
only to like her but love her likewise. I am sure as God is in
heaven she doth exceedingly deserve itt. The secret (which
when I acquainted you with itt was a secrett) is now none :
but when it will bee by rites and ceremonies perfected is as
unknowne to me as the latter day ; neither of which is likely
to bee in hast. My Aunt Pettit 1 dyed uppon Sunday night,
and left this world, in which we find nothing but griefe and
troubles, for a better, in which are such joyes as neither I have
here, nor ever had, nor can enter into my heart to expresse.

[Unsigned]

ccxx

HENRY OXINDEN tO KATHERINE CULLING
[MS. 28,000, f. 147]

Deare Hearte,

I had only Sir Edward Deereing’s speech 2 sent mee
this weeke, which I desire you to shew Mr. Huffam ; my
man at his returne from Mr. Wood's shall call for it ; I shall
thinke the time long till I see you, in the meane while I shall
most heartily pray to Allmightie God to continue your

1 Hanna, wife of Henry Pettit, cf. supra , p. 21.

2 Probably his speech in the final debate on the Great Remonstrance,
November 22, 1641.

270

1641] THE brink of civil war

health, which shall ever be more deare to mee then mine
owne.

Deare Hearte I am your most
affectionate, most faithfull and most
humble servant to command

Henrie Oxinden

Barham
Jan. 23. 1641

Pray speake my service to your brother and sisters.

CCXXI

HENRY OXINDEN OF DEANE to HENRY OF BARHAM
[MS. 28,000, f. 148V.]

Honor’d Cozin,

I could have hartilie wisht your money were nott so
short, butt that itt were as long as would reach even from
your house to Westminster, to that great phsaere of Activitie,
which now whirles about three whole Kingdomes Blisse or
destruction, and pray God avert the latter, to human capacitie
almost inevitable ; if division in a private house brings mine,
hojw more in a kingdome where itt is so great amongst the
rulers of itt. I need nott bee tedious in relating how things
have past of late ; the petitions, diumall, and pym’s Speech,
which I have prayd my father to send you, will save mee that
labour. I have nott yett seene the speeech, butt by report of
them that did see and heare him deliver itt, never anything
was deliverd with that modest confidence and herroicke
courage by any common of this kingdome ; the languige you
can iudge off. Yesterday morning went a message to the
King caried by many Lords and twelve commons, the pre-
amble whereof was thanks for his letter, the desire is specified
in the latter part of Harfordsheere petition whereunto I
referre you ; this bill could nott bee got to passe the major
part of the Lords, there being six more of them, where upon
the minor protested against them, amongst whom lie name

271

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1641

you some of the greatest, Northumberland, Pembrook,
Warick, Neuport, Say, Cymbolton, Salsbury, etct :

Upon the Lords’ refusall of the bill, Pym was sent by the
house to make a speech to them, and itts printed by order.
The great expectation that is now is the King’s answere,
which will produce some great effect one way or other ; trade
being stopped, the poor of cittie are daylie feared to rise, and
also of other parts of the Kingdome. I finde all heere full
of feares and almost voyd of hopes. Parents and children,
brothers, kindred, I and deere frends have the seed of dif-
ference and division abundantly sawed in them. Somtimes I
meet with a Cluster of Gentlemen equally divided in opinion
and resolution, somtimes 3 to 2, somtimes more ods, but
never unanimus, nay more I have heard foule languig and
disperarat quarelings even between old and intire frends,
and how wee can thus stand and nott fall, certainely God
must needs worke a myracle paralelle to some of his great
ones in the old time. I am glad you have gott a horse ;
provide you of Armes ; itt is Mars, nott Venus, that now can
helpe ; shee is now so much outt of fashion that where shee
herselfe heere present, in all her best fashines, shee would be
the gazeing stock of contempt to all but lashe and effseminat
mindes. Were you butt heere to heare the drummes, see the
warlike postures and the glittering armour up and downe the
towne, and behold our poore bleeding libertis att stake, itt
would rouze your Sperits, if you have any left, socour that
deepe drousie lethergie you are now orewhelm’d in ; I could
say much more, butt I feare I have gon alreadie too farre.
Pray Pardon mee, yett I can nott keepe my selfe from telling
you this one thing of my selfe, that were I not maried I would
not the fairest creature in this Kingdome att this time, with
ten thousand pounds. I am now in hast going about my
busines, excuse my abruptnes and except pray of the hartie
affections of

Your most faithfull frend and servant
Jan . the 27. Henry Oxinden

1641

272

1641] the brink of civil war

I could wish you heere, were it nott to your prejudice.
There is great talke heere of the Danes comming with a great
Army. The cittie petition is nott yett come out, neither is
Pym’s true on, a conterfet on my father will send you being
bought.

My servis to all my frends as you see them. More news
of great consequence is now reported, butt I know nott how
writt itt, being nott assurd of the truth.

CCXXII

HENRY OXINDEN to ELIZABETH D ALLISON
[MS. 28,000, f. 153]

Honored Cozin,

Least you might thinke that I intend from time to
time to cut you off and soe in conclusion to frustrate your
expectation, I thought good at this time to fulfill my promise
to you, in giveing you an answeare to that part of your letter
wherein you showed your selfe a true, a faithfull and a con-
stant lover of my, by mee, most honored, beloved deceased
wife. And this appeares by your taking care for those deare
pledges of love she left behind her, and hereby manifested
yourselfe to bee that One amongst a 1000 which the wise man
speakes of ; it being the nature of most women (I may say of
men too) to cut of the entaile of their love, though never so
strongly made, at such time as the partie to whom it was
made can either noe longer make requitall or take acknow-
ledgement thereof. But it is far otherwise with you, and
therefore before I write any more I must needes give you
hearty and unfained thankes for th[at your] constant and
sincere love ; and love so great that itt transported you even
to a mistake of some wordes uttered by mee to such as you
would have had them to have beene.

For whereas I, making an expression to you of my love
to my wife, did assevere that, though I would not settle any
estate uppon my children, yett I would not doe them any
wrong ; and if I did, I did desire you to account mee a knave
s 273

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1641

and the unworthiest man breathing ; hereby you miscon-
ceived a settlement of estate, which I attest heaven I never
did promise, nor intend to doe, otherwise then I have all-
ready done, unlesse hereafter, uppon my sonnes marriage,
there may bee a necessitie thereof, or that Sir Thomas
Peyton may by his paying mee such monies as I know in
conscience to bee due to mee, or some other most urgent
cause may induce mee thereunto. For such an Act of mine,
considering my necessited occasions, will prove a matter of
such high and dangerous consequence as may amount to
high treason against my judgement ; and that for diverse
respects of which I will only relate these :

Whereas itt is not unknowne, considering the smallnesse of
my estate, that I am sufficiently indebted, I shall, by such an
Act of Settlement, debar myselfe of the service which that
part is settled might doe mee in taking up of mony ; and the
custome is to make security out of twice or [thrice] soe much
land as the monie that is borrowed uppon itt doth amount [to] .
I must truly confesse unto you I doe (and ever did, though I
thanke God my friends are as reall to me as anie man’s are)
take my estate for my most assured friend in my necessitie,
and if I shall debar myselfe of the benefitt of itt, such
stormes may arise as may drive ;mee uppon fearefull rocks or
such dangerous sands as there may bee little hope in getting
out of them.

I have observed, in my little experience in the world, that
soe long as a man is a noune substantive standing alone by
himselfe, hee may passe with confidence in the world ; and
if hee have anie braines in his head, hee need not want
friends : but if hee prove a noune adjective, and require
another to bee joined with him, men will avoid him as they
doe a falling house, or some dangerous and venemous beast.

Besides, I know not but I may hereafter have occasion to
use a 1000 or 2000 1 to imploy uppon an office or the like, and
I have little hopes that Sir Thomas Peyton will pleasure mee
in that way I have pleasured him ; and I have little reason to
expect a curtesie of that nature of anie other body, in regard

274

1641] the brink of civil war

I have not obliged anie so much, beside himselfe, in this
kinde.

Neither am I as yett resolved with myselfe with what part
or quantitie of my estate I will part withall, or whether I will
part with anie of itt or noe ; though Sir Thomas Peyton’s
bragging that if my sonn be under age att my decease he will
make him his warde might bee inducement sufficient for mee,
and colour too, to frustrate his expectation.

And if these Reasons may not seeme to you to have weight
enough in them, I desire you seriously to consider with your-
selfe whether an Act of Settlement of estate uppon my sonne
may not cause him to bee the more disobedient, insomuch as
I may in vaine perswade him to take a profession uppon him,
without doing which there may bee little hopes hee will
keepe, much lesse advance, what fortune I shall give him.

Nay, itt may soe fall out that by this meanes I may see the
reversion of my estate sold before my face ; for if my sonne
take any dislike ag* me, though it bee a causelesse one, and if
I will not comply with him according to his desires, though
perhaps vaine and foolish, then like enough I may heare a
lecture of this nature from him. [An]d that you may the
better give credence unto this, I will make knowne to you how
I can, with greife enough of minde now unto [me, c]all to re-
membrance how that I my selfe (though I am perswaded you
beleive I was none of the most refractorie or most spirited
youths), when my father did fall out with mee and finde fault
with mee, peradventure hee had cause enough soe to doe,
yett had I had but one halfe of his estate setled uppon mee, I
should without doubt have done the like ; and yett uppon
examination I doe not finde I was any of the worst natures in
the world.

I have knowne some in my time who, out of the presump-
tion that their Fathers could not give some part of the estate
from them, have cast aside all respects of those their earthly
parents, and all commands of their heavenly, and following
no other guide but their owne willfull and foolish braines,
have, in a full careere, runne themselves into the displeasure

275

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1641

of both, and in conclusion unto their owne finall ruine and
distruction.

I write not this with the least thought to leave my sonne
one farthing lesse, nay not soe little as Sir Thomas Peyton
desired mee to settle uppon him in his last letter hee wrott to
mee about that businesse ; for I call the searcher of all hearts
to witnesse, to whom and noe other I am bound to give an
account of my intentions (yett I doe to you) that I have noe
other meaning but what is sincere and just and such as I per-
swade myselfe may satisfie any man who is a well wisher to
mee and my sonne, att leastwise who hath soe good an opinion
of my honestie and discretion as I hold such a One ought to
have who is acquainted with mee ; and who ever shall mis-
doubt either the one or the other of them in mee, I know not
uppon what ground I may beeleive him to bee my friend.

But now mee thinkes I heare you alleige that men love
their second wifes best, and therefore there may bee danger
I may bee seduced from my intentions I now have ; and this *
allegation of yours I must confesse may seeme to others of
some force, but pardon mee deare Cozin, if itt seeme not soe
to mee, who have alreadie sealed to a Tripartite Indenture
betweene God, myselfe and my sonne ; wherein I have in-
dented that, my sonne performing his conditions, (which are
easie enough), I shall not faile in performing mine, (which
are just enough), and (God inabling mee) if I doe, I shall
forfeite and desire to forfeite my share in heaven and my
repute amongst all men in the earth.

And now I hope you will not doubt but that I have re-
membred who my wife was, what her portion was and what
is due to her from mee by the Lawes of God and man ; and
I hope by this Act of mine I [shall] not bee thought to bee a
man that will doe but what I list, nor [MS. torn] aniebodies
censure uppon mee nor loose anie of my true friends [MS.
torn].

I desire you to acquaint Sir James Oxinden with what I
have wrot, as allsoe of the Partie’s estate, which hee was
desirous to bee informed of, (which to anie bodie else I

276

1641] THE BRINK OF CIVIL WAR

should not make known and which I desire may bee kept
secret), whereof I will give you a plaine and true account. It
is as itt is now lett, (7 1 the yeare being abated of what itt
went for by the space of five yeares before), the woodland
being rated at 17 1 the yeare besids timber, 109 1 12s by the
yeare ; and this is fee simple and soccage estate ; the wood
and timber uppon the ground was valued to mee by Cooper,
this last yeare, at 400 1 , and hee said he had not overvalued itt.
Out of this there is to be paid 1400 1 . One hundred pounds
whereof is to bee paid at our Lady next to Mr. Huffam, and
100 1 more two yeare after that. To Denwood 100 1 then and
300 more three yeare after that. To one James Fag, about
8 yeares hince, 200 1 : to Ellen Culling 600 1 att her age of
21 yeare or day of marriage ; there was 100 1 more given to
Mr. Huffam, and another 100 1 to Denwood, but I have paid
that, as allsoe all manner of debts that were owing by the
Testator. Now valuing a 100 and 9 1 12s by the yeare at
2192 1 , and the wood and timber at 400 1 itt will amount to
2502 1 ; out of this is to be substracted 1400 1 .

Soe there remaines to her 1 192 1 ; but the house and seate 1
in this valuation is reckoned att nothing, which I esteeme at a
considerable rate ; for, as concerning the seate, it is incom-
pareably more pleasant than mine, and the house will not
bee builded for 4 or 500 ; and whereas I abated 7 1 per annum
last yeare, I see noe reason, if the times were not extreamely
bad, but that I might raise itt to what itt was before ; bee-
sides there is convenient day given for the payment of most
of the legacies, and by the strictnes of the will none can be
expected faster then the revenewes will pay. But nought of
these moved any heart of mine to resolve to entre into that
(by mee feared and abhorred) condition of life, which I now
can by no meanes avoyd ; itt was only her selfe, and unex-
pected answeare to me when I advised her to beware how
and to whom she married, and told her that her fortune and
selfe deserved a good match, five to one better then myselfe ;
to which (casting her eies uppon mee and as soone casting

1 site

277

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1641

them downe againe), shee replyed, I know noe man I can
thinke a better match or can [MS. torn] so well as your selfe ;
this amazed mee, insomuch that where [MS. torn] before I
loved her as my child and friend, I now was forced consider
of loveing her as a wife, which from that time forward I
could by no meanes avoide. And yett I did infinitly labour
to recall myselfe to my single condition of life, which has
pleasingly fomented such an ambition in mee, as caused my
thoughts to mount to such a hight, that I was determined
either to bee great or not to bee att all ; and now I can bee
contented to bee, and to be poore, if one may bee properly
said to bee soe who enjoyes his chiefest desires and delight.

There is one objection, which I doubt not but in the
course of my life I shall heare often, and that is my M s was a
Yeoman’s daughter ; True itt is her father was a Yeoman, but
such a Yeoman as lived in his house, in his company, and in
his sportes and pleasures like a gentleman, and followed the
same with gentlemen ; and this I am able to iustifie, and
that hee married the daughter and heire of one Mr. Allen,
Mr. Den can as easily make it appeare to others as he hath
done to mee ; and that hee bred his daughter, according to her
selfe, his mayntaining her 4 yeares at schoole, amongst other
gentlemen’s daughters, att the same costs and charges they
were at, will sufficiently demonstrate.

And now, whosoever shall be eagle eyd, and too narrowly
pry in to this family, and give mee occasion to take notice
thereof, I doubt not but I shall find enough in his to furnish
mee with an answeare ; and I would verie faine have the same
man, as apparantly, prove the continuance of his estate for
upwards of 300 and 60 yeares in his bloud, as I can easily
prove this to have continued in his ; and did, for ought I
know, or anie man else, manie hundred yeares beefore, for I
have noe writings, neither doe I beeleive there are any
extant, which show itt to have belonged to anie other man ;
An estate heretofore sufficiently great, till by the all dividing
custome of Gavelkind marveilously diminished ; however if
the definition which heralds have given to Gentilitie be true,

278

1641] the brink of civil war

(that is of antient rase), I see no reason why the possessors of
so ancient an estate may not as well have the benefit of the
foresaid definition as others. And suppose I had nothing of
all this to allege in her beehalfe, yet I know not why her
vertue conjoined with beautie, Person, discretion and for-
tune, which you have said, and that truly too, cannot be
excepted ag t , may not sufficiently vindicate myselfe for being
deepely in love with her, not eminent in birth, espeacially
when as (according as you your selfe have wiselie said) the
wisest men have ever held vertue the best and truest nobilitie,
and as sure as death it is soe, and for my owne part my
former highlie esteeming of politicall nobilitie I now reckon
amongst the follies of my youth. Yet am not I ignorant that
there bee divers people in the world, and itt is convenient
there should bee such, of soe stupid and grosse capacities, that
conceive there is something extraordinarielie inherent in this
politicall nobilitie ; who themselves (if itt should please the
king to innoble) would serve as soe manie severall arguments
to confute their owne selves and their owne silly conceits
therein.

The knowledge and consideration whereof hath caused mee
not to value anie man by having anie inward respect or con-
ceite of him beefore another, beecause hee excells in degrees
of honour, but according to the concomitant ornaments, as
vertue, riches, wisdom, power etc. etc.

If I see a man of what low degree or quality soever that is
vertuous, rich, wise or powerful, him will I preferre beefore
the greatest Lord in the kingdome that comes short of him in
these ; but this is so plaine a case as I will not trouble you by
demonstrating itt any farther, in regard I know that such
a witt as yours, which hath tasted so much of the kernell,
cannot chuse but easily apprehend it. I speake not this as
being a Tenent more availeable for mee to hold then for
others, but beecause I know the greater part of the world doe
ignorantly beeleive otherwise.

There is one thing which I had allmost forgott to speake of,
and indeede which most troubles mee, and which did make

279

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1641

mee refraine all that I was able from being forward in this
match, and it was the consideration of marrying with my
friend’s daughter haveing, after competent provision for my
son and 2 daughters, so small an estate remaining for her ;
and to speak the truth, which I love to doe from my heart,
though I speake it now with full griefe thereof, this doth not
a little perplexe mee, and unlesse her owne desire thereunto,
and the Ladies carrying her to London, indeavoring to dis-
pose of her worse there, or Cupid’s all commanding power,
may not pleade for mee, (as I persuade myselfe they may), I
know not how I shall answeare my soe doing either to God
or the world.

And now having endeavoured to the utmost of my power
to give your selfe, my uncle and aunt satisfaction about the
disposing of my estate, and having, according to her desire,
made a true and cleare particular of M s estate, (which were it
not halfe so much as it is I should not have so little honestie
as to leave her off, nor a love, once promised, vowd and
swome, so inconstant as to alter) I doe once more, this third
time, no lesse humbly and heartily then before, beg and
intreate of your selfe, Sir James and my Ladie that you will
bee pleased, without anie further delayes, to grant mee your
consents to enjoy her whom God hath created for mee and
whose divine Majestie I shall infinitely offend if I have not.

And therefore if after all this profession of my intentions
and determinations, which I call Heaven and earth to wit-
nesse to bee heartie and sincere, and if herein I have any
equivocation or mentall reservations, I desire that these lines
of mine may rise up in judgement against mee and condemne
mee ; I say if after all this I may not have your consents I have
soe earnestly, soe humbly and soe often desired, and that
without any farther mention of settlement or the like, I shall
then thinke I may have cause to feare that this insisting uppon
that which most that know mee know I have ever beene in
my judgement positively averse unto, is but a rub cast in the
way, to turne away the bias of my affection from my desired
M s , or to unsettle my determinations and resolutions ; and

280

Honored Coxni -

f w * r nc ^fitated 4-0 wrjte a U'ifez tt> my. Cozm J a f/ y fa

*fked me ft. nued tjme 7 .afj-haua, but- actfe V*k Idf- * H<mke.
;oa foe pur never y etL y ir , t mu , which thoutf re* td

rt * *“ rfi- ic n ‘jw'PSdk fkt-

fy a #j/c at ' uufel mu. tv tale iel{rf+ e(ten .

-fhijeiat dtuifltn among the chu'ft riuttn p the Kmodome fhope the
dtrd Alhnigky vjtt a* /*/ rcconc/le for-) haue ft under hhotunt
h And, that he Jrmgetb man.,fp entwiri a^arancc; to defizisc
t}on,f? then he fayth , return c agape yee /one! of men.

Anil ho ft dM- loft kee wjtl tame ajf to the heft, for when the
mill 'front pry hath fpi* jtr ucneme jtt -a, It hee fo jnfufc.

rahy noj fen;e to the Contort yveaith , that- tit-’ wjtl thevowly pe-
gc tit- fdfe of fit-. (d vet all Know that ‘when the poi fen js cfaci-
%i that opptefted the aitall farttf ,thcUdU wfl he feunl &;n heddj .

4- eafTot chafe hat fmjle vfth my fdfi te thjble how the ‘Taftib &

FACSIMILE OF THE SAME LETTER COPIED FAIR BY HENRY OXINDEN OF BARHAM
From Bm Mus Add MS 28,000 f 157

1641] the brink of civil war

then may I have just cause to doubt and wonder too, how any
man can love mee or aime at my good by debarring mee of my
greatest delight and happinesse.

And soe with my heartie prayers to Allmightie God for all
your healths and felicities (desiring pardon for troubling you
with soe manie rude and imperfect lines) I bid you Farewell,
Farewell, Farewell.

Cozin, I am a most affectionate servant to
your selfe, Sir James and his Ladie and my
Cozin Henrie Oxinden

Henry Oxinden

Barham
Feb . 1. 1641

CCXXIII {Draft)

HENRY OXINDEN to HENRY OF DEANE

[MS. 28,000, f. 157]

Honored Cozin,

I was necessitated to write a letter to my Cozin Dallis-
son, which asked me soe much time as I have but verie little
left to thanke you for your newes you sent mee, which, though
not good, yett itt was acceptable to mee coming from you,
being expressed in soe pleasing a stile as caused mee to take
delight even in woe.

The great division among the cheife rulers in the King-
dome I hope the Lord Allmighty will att last reconcile, for I
have it under his owne hand that he bringeth man in out-
ward apparance to destruction and then he sayth retume
againe yee sonnes of men. And I hope att last hee will turne
all to the best, for when the malignant party hath spitt out
its venome, itt will bee so insufferably noisome to the Com-
monwealth that itt will thorowly purge itselfe of itt : and
we all know that when the poison is expelled that oppressed
the vitall partes, the bodie will be sound and in health. I
cannot chuse but smile with my selfe to thinke how the
Papists and Prelates resemble the fish, which being once

281

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1641

strucken, never leaveth striving till itt hath strived herself to
death. I will not make comparison and say they resemble the
Prince of this world (their Lord and Master) who toward the
ending of his reigne is said to bee most fierce and raging, yett
their crueltie and outrage of late might have induced a lesse
zealous spiritt then mine thereunto. Your saying that a
Kingdome devided against itt selfe cannot stand puts mee in
mind to certifie you that I had a doe given me last weeke,
which as my man was bringing home in a paire of rips, by the
way fell out with her selfe, and in the difference broake her
legs, insomuch as shee could not stand ; whereuppon I
killed her ; shee was fat ; I could wish you were here to tast
a peice of her. I am glad to hear you stand immoveable for
the Commonwealth, for in so doing you stand for the King,
and consequently both for King and commonwealth ; and he
that is not for these, I hold him unworthy to breath that part
of the common aire hee enjoyeth. And for that unhappie
generation which maketh a distinction betweene the King
and the commonwealth, I would faine learne of itt how one
can bee a king without a commonwealth ; I know divers
commonwealths which have no king, and I have learned a
maxime, before ever I heard it from the Scotts, Salus populi
suprema lex.

It shall ever bee as far from my beleife as the East is from
the West, that so many millions of men as are in the Christian
world were created to bee slaves to about halfe a score mortall
Gods. I neede not tell you of an admonition come from
heaven, nor tell you where to find itt, itt being written in the
sacred Register of God’s Testament, — and noe doubt but ere
long you will find itt was safe following of itt, — itt is this,
Put not your trust in Princes for there is no healpe in them.

Your counsell to rouse my selfe from the drousie lethargie
you conceive I am in by being in Love, which you hold a
signe of an effeminate minde, I take not amisse ; yett give
mee leave to tell you, that hee who doth not more then
ordinarily love Venus, will hardly proove a good soldier under
Mars. Did not hee himself e love her ? Nay, did not hee

282

1641] the brink of civil war

love her so well that beefore the face of heaven and all the
Gods hee embraced her ? And shall itt be a shame to imitate
your generall ? Your brave generall ? Your martiall generall ?
Ah ! let not such a conceit enter into your head, especially
seing if I had time I could tell you of divers prankes of this
nature the bravest of the Gods have playd ; ile say no more
then this, Ito per exemplum genus 0 mortale deorum. I
went last weeke to see your sonne, who was then in verie
good health ; if neede were hee would serve for an argument
to prove that you love your Ladie verie well, for otherwise
you would not have begot him so like her. And that makes
mee doubt of the sinceretie of your wordes, wherein you say
if you were now unmarried you would not marry for £10,000,
for I beleive you would have her you now have with the
fourth part of the monie ; yett I beleive great matches are
easilie to be had now in London, for certainly divers great
heires are afraid the world is allmost att an end, or that ere
long they shall bee killed, and would gladly have some sport
beefore they die ; an can you blame them, sith they beleive
when they are gon all the world is gon with them. In hast I
abruptly end and am

Your unalterable and most affectionate Friend

[No Signature]

Feb . 1. 1641

CCXXIV

HENRY OXINDEN OF DEANE to HENRY OF BARHAM

[MS. 28,000, f. 48]

[Sir Edward Dering, of Surrenden Dering, Pluckley, who appears
in the following Letter, was born in the Tower of London,
January 28th, 1598, was made Lieutenant of Dover Castle in
1623 and created a Baronet three years later. He sat in the Long
Parliament as member for Kent. The opinion of his neighbours
and contemporaries entirely bears out Hasted’s description : it is
said that although “ a man of parts and learning ”, his vanity
induced him to present to the House of Commons the Root and
Branch Bill abolishing Episcopacy, chiefly in order that he might

283

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1641

quote from the gallery of the House two apposite lines of Ovid :

“ Cuncta prius tentanda sed immedicabile vulnus
Ense reddendum est ne pars sincera trahetur.”

His two speeches which caused so much excitement in Kent
were delivered on Nov. 9th and Nov. 23rd, 1640, and printed,
together with a third undated, in the following year. The first
describes his interview with Archbishop Laud at Lambeth, adding
that “ I hope by the help of this House, before the yeare of threats
be run out, his Grace will either have more grace or no grace at
all ”. The second dealt with the two enemies of religion, the
Papists and the “ Prelaticall Faction ”, and again attacked Laud
as “ alterius orbis Papa ” ; “ A Pope at Rome will doe lesse hurt
then a Patriarch at Lambeth

No sooner was the bill introduced than Sir Edward, repenting
of his witticisms, shifted his ground ; his inconsistency so offended
the Parliamentary party that they declared him a delinquent to the
Commonwealth. He was imprisoned in the Tower but fled to
join the King ; his whole estate was sequestered, his house
plundered, his timber felled. He died in a farmhouse of his own
on June 22nd, 1644, and was buried in the family chancel in
Pluckley Church. His third wife, Unton, daughter of Sir Ralph
Gibbes was sister to Lady Percivall of Denton Court, and subse-
quently became guardian to the Percivalls’ orphan children.

Sir Edward’s letter to his wife dated May 2nd, 1641, may be
compared with the Oxindens’ of the same period. “ I went first
to the parliament house ”, he writes, “ there was no body. The
King had in the morning told them he could not in conscience
concurre to sentence the point of treason ; the sullen boys therefore
break up schoole at 1 1 of the clocke and went to play, not suffering
so much as the committee for religion to sitt. We shall meet
sullen tomorrow. God send good issues but my despayres begin
to go above my fayth in that, yett we shall be cured but with a
confusion . If the French play not the devills with us the confusion
will be short and safe.” Edward (“ Ned ”) Monings succeeded
his father, Sir William Monings, Bt., in the family estates at
Waldershare in 1643 ; he was Sheriff of Kent 21 Ch. I and d.

1663.1]

COZIN,

The Reason why I used those words concerning my
marrying was nott because itt had been possible for mee to
1 Hasted, iv. p. 189.

284

1641] THE brink of civil war

marrie any other, or mett with any so fitt, so vertuous, butt
because the inevitable incomparable greife and horror that
will bee in her and my selfe all the time of our Seperation,
which these distracted and distempered times must necessar-
ilie cause, if nott by the Almithie miraculously prevented. I
have been and am still consulting and contriving the best way
of that Seperation in case of extremitie, which I have almost
pich’t upon and determined by sending my wife and children
into Holland, a thing not a little practised alreadie by some
and resolv’d by others. As for the State affaires, they have
little varied for the better since I last wrott to you ; you shall
receive a booke that will better satisfie you then I of the
parlment’s desires and the King’s answeres. The matter
they most insist upon now is to have the forts and militia in
such commanders’ hands as they may safely confide in, which
the king in exquisite languige hath denied, and his answere
is voted by the commons a deniall ; whereupon they went
againe to the Lords, and petitioned them to joyne with them
concerning this ; the maior of them did, which the first time
refus’d. So that they are gon once more, both Lords and
commons, about to the King, with the same desires as before,
which if denied againe great distractions are expected sud-
denly to follow. The part say that they cannott safely goe
forward with the affaires of Kingdome unlesse this bee
granted. The poore handy crafts men are alreadie driven to
miserable want in all countries and especially in this cittie ;
itt is say[d] that they are risen in Essex, and it is feared that
they will doe soe in all parts else. In London they have
much adoe to hold out any longer, as apeares by their petition;
they begin to inquire after the malignant Lords, the obstruc-
tions of their welfare, and doubtlesse if there bee nott a
speedie change in them and course taken with the poore, they
will both destroy them and their houses. There was peti-
tioning woemen of a great number last tuesday at the pari,
and so farr as I could learn their great and old grieveance was
want of trading, none of them complaining of pressures and
burdens, being too seldome laden. The Porters came too

285

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1641

late for them, being the day after, they were about five
hundred, their whole companie being five thous: Itt is
observ’d that noe time nor historie can shew that such great
numbers of oppressed Subiects of al sorts ever peti[ti]oned
with that humilitie and desolved so quiettly. Ireland is
feared will bee lost ; the Spaniards by report are expected
there and the french and Danes heere. Itt is thought that
things are alreadie gon so farr that, although the parliament
had all their desires granted, they could not possibly settle
trade soone enough to prevent outrages, the poor being driven
to that necessitie alreadie. Sir Edward Deering hath forth
a booke of al his Speeches, with a vindication, as hee thinks,
of the imputations layd on him for his being of both sides ;
which, if itt bee nott alreadie called in, ile send you. I heare
hee is deeply questioned for itt, and some say he will bee
turn’d out of the house, other say a farre greater punishment.
I heare his book is voted to bee bum’d, but I can tell no
certentie because I can nott goe to the hall this morning for
writting to you, the afternoone I shall bee busie. Say no-
thing of this unlesse you heare itt confirmed. Heere are
many more reports, which I leave to Canterbury to furnish
you with. I have nott yett read Dali: letter you wrott her,
and therefore can say nothing of itt, but in mine I yett amongst
many others observe this one passage, that hee that doth nott
extraordinarily love Venus will never prove a good soldier
under mars. For answere to which, I referre you to Marc
Anthonie’s example who[se] exterordinarie love for Venus
made him of the best soldier in the world the worse and most
ignominious that ever was.

So in hast I conclude, having at this instant received a

letter from my wife, and the post and my occasions urging for

a dispatch , 7 r . ,

r Your friend

H. O.

Since I sealed my letter, I have certaine information that
Sir Edward Deering is to bee sent to the Tower, his booke
to bee burn’d, and hee made uncapaple ever to bee of this

286

1641] the brink of civil war

parliament. The booke I could have bought for 14 pence
last night, butt now a crowne cannot buy itt, wherefore I
have forborne to send itt, itt nott being in my esteeme worth
anything, being so branded ; you may easilie come to the
sight of itt by some about Canterbery. The messengers are
return from the King butt his answere is nott yett reported.
My Lord Duke is cleared by the Lords of these 3 articles ;
there being a hott contest amongst the Lords some cald for
an ajournment to avoyde mischeife, and he stood up and sayd,
lett itt bee for six moneths if you will ; the 2[nd] for per-
swading Perd [Peard] to bee remisse in the proseqution of
Persies and Jerman busines ; the 3d was for sending letters
to Dover of promises of reward to some to chuse such bour-
gesses, and of threats to others that refused. Butt for these
hee is nott yett cleared in the house of Commons. My
brother Peirce, his wife and children, are come upp to live in
London neere us, till the times are resolved which way to goe,
how ever they fall out. London is accounted the safest place,
being strongly guarded ; itt is sayd that they are to make
2 hundred thousand strong and leave the cittie well guarded.
The parliament is removed this day to Mercers’ hall, the
reason is unknowne. The Sheriff is gone downe to work a
new election ; of all the men I know I wish my cozen Ned
Monings would stand and hee should have my assistance even
to my uttmost power, for I take him to be very right in his
affection.

CCXXV

HENRY OXINDEN to KATHERINE CULLING

[MS. 28,000, f. 149]

Deare Hearte,

I have not beene out of my house since I was with
you last, neither dare I as yett venture soe far as Kingstone,
much lesse as London, where my companie is much desired
by divers gentlemen of this shire, who goe thetherward to-
morrow and uppon Thusday (sic) intend to prefer their

287

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1641

Petition. Pray appoint where my man shall fetch your
maide, speake my respects to your brothers and sisters, and
never doubt but that I am and ever shall esteeme itt my
greatest honour and happinesse to approve myselfe,

Your most unalterable, most affectionate,
most faithfull and most humble servant
to command

Barham , Feb . 6. 1641

Henrie Oxinden

To his ever honored and most respected friend
M s Katherine Culling

CCXXYI (Draft)

HENRY OXINDEN to ELIZABETH DALLISON
[MS. 28,000, f. 381]

[Henry Palmer’s knighthood, on which, in the following Letter,
Henry Oxinden pours scorn, was conferred during this very
journey of the King to Dover, Feb. 4th, 1641-2.

Sir Thomas Godfrey had purchased the estate of Heppington,
near Canterbury, from the Hales’s in 1640 ; his brother, Sir Peter
Godfrey, married Sarah, daughter of Sir Peter Heyman, of
Sellindge, member for Dover ; cf. Letter CXCIX for his affray
with Captain Dixwell.

Sir George Theobald was probably one of the Theobald
family of Stonepitt, Seale, to which Margaret, Lady Oxinden’s
mother also belonged, while more remotely old Sir Henry Oxinden’s
first wife (see portrait, p. 298) had been Mary Theobald.

Sir George was connected, in company with a Dutchman John
Van Haesdonck, with certain enterprises for the draining and
development of marshlands (cf. Cal. D.S.P . , Ch. I, 1639-40,
p. 479) ; he may also have held some office about the court (cf.
Letter CCXXX).]

Honored Cozin,

I have not yett leasure to acquaint you how much I
wonder and that with amazement to, that your selfe, Sir
James and my Lady should once soe much as imagine that
I would offer to marrie before I had his consent soe to doe, and

288

1641] THE BRINK OF CIVIL WAR

the reason of my wonderment is, thereafter whatever scandals
I have suffered yet I can attest my very eies to justify my
sincerity in my words and promises ; and uppon what
ground it should now come to passe that my friends, my best,
my most honoured friends, should surpasse my enemies, my
worst, my most malevolent enemies, in a sinister opinion of
mee ; verilie I must confesse my owne ignorance herein, as
well as with [illegible] complaine of the causelesse surmises of
them before whom in this matter I can stand upright, before
whom I desire to heare my owne censure and the whole
worlds. Verilie amongst thousands of my imaginations I
can fix uppon nothing should cause this mistrust, unlesse, it
being parliament time, you might thinke that I must imitate
the house of Commons, which having done all it could by
praying and protesting with the Lords’ house, was resolved
of its owne accord to doe what was fitting for its owne wel-
fare, thogh Lords had denyed their consent ; and soe perhaps
you might thinke I would have iested it, if by Act of Parlia-
ment : but, cosin, I desire [you] to know that I am not ignorant
that there is a wide difference betweene the legallity of any Act
of a whole kingdome and of a particular person, and what
is Justifiable for the one is not lawfull for the other.

As concerning newes wherein you desire to be informed,
I shall doe my best endeavours, but not being acquainted with
the Contraries it is the more difficult for mee ; my comfort
is you are of soe wise and good a disposition as that you will
except of the will for the deed and therefore I will adventure
uppon this task you have sent me ; and first I will certify you
that what I last told you I beleft concerning Harry Palmer
you may now beleve as well as I ; and assuredly by taking the
honour of knighthood uppon him hee hath made his father
and mother old, I will not say with greife, for I may rather
say for joy, and that is wonderfull to oders as his owne desire
of being knyghted is to mee. Assuredly, if his desyre of
knyghthood hath done himselfe honour it hath done his
estate none, for now ’tis said that, lying aside his father’s
office, both ther land is not above 300 1 per annum, and ’tis
t 289

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1641

said there is two or 3 daughters to portion and sufficient deles
uppon the estate besides ; and this is some comfort to mee,
to behold my selfe in noe worse condition then a knight’s, and
such knights as have noe meane opinion of themselves ; it
seemes strange to mee that men should desire saile soe
eagerly to overthrow their ship, being not sufficiently ballat’d:
mee thinks they resemble Icarus, would rather fly with wings
of waxe then not at all, and then rather to fall from a hight
then to continue in saftie in a degree with other men. These
kind of men seme to bee of the Phrygians’ race who then
begin to be wise when it is to late. Or are they of the off-
spring of Phaeton, who, whatsoever came of it, would needs
drive his horses nere the sun, though he paid no lesse for his
ambition 1 then a repentance : or are they of the race of men
of whom King David sayd, I saw them flourish like a greene
bay tree, but I passed by and the case was altered. Whatere
they are, or of what race they are, I passe by them ; and come
to tell you that when the Prince Palatine was a hunting with
Sir Thomas Godfrey, Sir Thomas Godfrey said, there went
the hare away ; one of the Lords, seeing him have little hare
uppon his head, said to him, your hare and mine went away
both one way : noe, said Sir Thomas, yours went away the
course way, and so did not mine ; and this answeare did
much take the Prince Elector, as my cozin Richard Hardres
told mee. If Sir Thomas had known him to be a Lord,
whether if would have beene so witty in his answeare I know
not, and leave it to others to judge, who have bene longer
acquainted with him then I.

Uppon Tuesday last the King went up to the top of Bel
Harry steeple ; upon Wednesday, about 3 of the clock in the
aftemoone, hee came over Barham Downs, not any gentle-
men waiting uppon him over it, except the Lords and those
came with him from London. Uppon Thursday in the fore-
noone hee went up to his Bulwarke.

That day in the afternoone he carried up the Queene thether
with him, the prince Elector etc ; the Ladie Percivall knelt
to kiss his Ma ties hand, hee healped her up and saluted her,

290

1641] the brink of civil war

and soe did the Queene etc. That night about 6 of the
clock Prince Rubt 1 came to the Court.

It is nowe late and I desire you to except my imperfect
relation of newes, sith you know I am deprived of the meanes
to know the most remarkable passages at Court which Sir
George Theobald and others have, and therefore I shall leave
it to him who is of better ability, wit and judgment to relate.
And so wishing yourselfe, Sir James and his Lady and my
cozins all health and happines, I desire you to take this I
have done in good part, which you may the better doe if
you knew how writing is tedious to mee, and were it not to
your selfe I would not take the tithe of the paines I doe in
scribling soe many lines ; the 4th part of which are more then
all I ever have as yet written to my Mistris in my life, and yet
I daresay you beleive I love her very well. Shee and I both
present our harty and humble respects to yourselfe, Sir
James and my Lady, and pray that you may live happily in
this world and reigne evermore blessed in the heavenly
Jerusalem, prepared before the beginning of the world for
such as you are

Dear Cozin I am

[Unfinished]

Md that I sent my Cozin Dalison a letter Feb: 15 of which
I have noe coppie and another Feb: 22 of which I have noe
coppie.

CCXXVII

ELIZABETH DALLISON to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 28,000, f. 15 1]

Noble Cozin,

AfFter sum debatts and arguments with my father and
mother consarning your past ore intended maridge, I have
receveid thear commands to assure you that you have thear
full consentes ; for mine, my Letters have spooke for me long
agoe. My father wished mee to tell you, hee had noe end in

1 Rupert.

291

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1641

what hee did but the good of you and yours ; and that exper-
ience teaches him to wish all those that hee ether can advise
or wishes well to, to have a care beetimes to lay a foundation
to provid for thear children ; knowing how hard a mater it is
to provid for them in the latter end. Your daughters you
have not named, as my father nots, in your last ; yett hee and
the rest of your freinds hope you thinke them considerable,
and commend you, your fair mistris (or wife) and children to
god his holy protection, wishing all blessings and hapines
may atend you, and yours ; my ocasions at this time will not
give mee leave to enlarge my selfe. Dear Cosin assuer your
selfe that I will bee while I live

Your most affectionat cosin and sarvant

Feb the jth 1641

Eli: D allison

’Tis sayd the queen gos for holan speedyly. Jermin and
Watt Mounticue are thear ; digby hath made way ther for
the queen ; the kinge hath sent a graceous Answer to the
parlement this day, which is most faithfully receved. My
father was very lought [loath] to by Sir Edward Dearing’s
book bee cause it wase dear, but now the prise is four times
soe much as it was then.

CCXXVIII (Draft)

HENRY OXINDEN to ELIZABETH D ALLISON

[MS. 28,000, f. 383]

Honored Cozin,

I have rd the gloves and ring you sent and doe like of
them both exceedingly well. I give you hearty thankes for
your paines in buying the gloves and ring, both which I
exceedingly like of, and it were a wonder, I and a great
wonder to, if I should doe otherwise, being growne to that
passe that I like not of any thing which you thinke not
choice for mee.

I desire you to speake my thanks to Sir James Oxinden for
his care in bying mee books, and I desire you likewise to

292

1641] THE BRINK OF CIVIL WAR

accept of thanks from mee to yours elf e for your care in
sending them.

I remember I formerly writ unto you desiring you to write
to my mother to be persuaded to a liking to this match, which
since I have had your consents unto, (and for which I give
you all possible thanks can be imagined), — I am fullie re-
solved uppon ; but I cannot leame that you fullfilled my
request concerning that matter. I am resolved once more
to request your self, Sir J. or my Ladie to doe mee that favour.
I doe find that noe hand is soe like to cure the wound but that
which made it. The saying of my Lady Oxinden to my
mother that she neede not doubt that ever I would have her
sticke frends in my mother’s brest, hath made such an im-
pression there that unlesse a seasonable remedie bee applyed
in short time it is to bee feared it may fester. It will bee
hard to bee beleft that shee gave mee her consent to have her,
and parted her kindly and lovingly at Christmas, and can
object noe fait ag* her when she was with her, and yett will
not bee persuaded to lett her bee but one poore quarter of a
yere with her, neither before nor after marriage ; yet have I
most greatly desired that curtesie of her. It greves mee
thinke that shee should bee so inexorable in matter of great
concernement unto mee, and that shee should bee soe deter-
minate even ag 1 Reason itselfe, which teaches to make the
best of our gane bee it what it will ; and this putteth mee in
mind of a discreet and wise speech of the Lady Oxinden’s
concerning this my intended match ; viz, she wished it were
other oft, but seing it would bee soe, shee would rhake the
best she could of it ; a saying truly so reasonable, that if I
had not heard thereafter of it, yett I should have guessed it to
have beene hers or your owne.

There is a lattine saying the English whereof is this, the
cause being taken away the effect will follow ; now the cause
of this aversenes in my mother to my desires is not any dislike
of me, or of her discretion or beauty, but only an imaginary
conceit that it wil bee a disparagement to her to have a young
daughter her daughter, and till she is cured of this I have

293

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1641

little hopes to receive any comfort from her, and this cure
cannot be effected by me, in regard she will conceive I speake
in my own behalfe.

But if a third partie would find an occasion to undertake it,
there might be some hopes of a good issue thereof. Strange
it is to mee that my mother should live to these yeares she is
now off and not to consider with herself that a man’s enemies
will take advantage enough to debase and undervalue a man’s
actions, though in themselves commendable and justifiable ;
and therefore a man’s friends ought, if not like of, yet not by
an apparent dislike to make a matter seeme more dishonour-
able to the world then it would otherwise doe ; and no lesse
strange it is to me that she shuld bee soe unalterable in her
dislike, so alterable in her likeings. At Easter weke shee is
intended for London, and if she continue above halfe a year
at anyone place there, I dare be registred for a Heretikt. I trust
I give her few causes of offences as may bee, and yet neither
home, nor promises, nor convenience nor anything else
can persuade her to be a pillar to uphold that house wherein
God and nature hath placed her. I should bee glad to have
her healp and concurrence in sustaining of it, but if she shall
faile in doing her parte, it shall not discurage me from doing
myne. And whether it bee upheld with repute or not (as by
God’s blessing I hope it will bee) I shall bee sorrie that I
must injure posterity in regard and especially that I was
inforced to uphold it alone, and that shee shuld have little or
no part in the honour of the preservation of it ; having soe
great an ‘interest in the successe of these endeavours in re-
spect of the wishes of him who uppon his death bed desired
it of her.

If I had not intended to marrie yet (shee said) she ment to
goe for London ; and when her little house was emptie, to
returne thether, in regard of the nearenes of the parlour ; and
then, when shee had bene there a little while, sure I am shee
would have come to mee againe ; and a verie great desire she
hath had likewise to live at Canterburie ; and were it not that
I had bene usually averse unto it, shee would have gon

294

1641] THE BRINK OF CIVIL WAR

thether last yeere ; and in circumference will shee persecute
mee, even till shee comes to her jurny’s end.

And note, were this any advantage to her selfe or any of her
children I shuld thinke it were well done of her ; but when it
is to no purpose, I could wish she might something bee dis-
suaded from this unsetled condition of mind. I speake not
this like wicked children to discover the nakednes of my
Parent, but with desire to have it prevented.

Pardon mee I beseech you, if, out of the greife I conceive in
mind, I speake something, to see some parents in the world
upon the utmost of their endeavours some to raise, some to
uphold, their families, and this care shuld bee deficient
where it were most advantagious for me to have it bee, and
where in reason it ought to bee.

[Unsigned]

CCXXIX

HENRY OXXNDEN to HENRY OF DEANE

[MS. 28,000, f. 158]

Honored Cozin,

I am the more obliged unto you for your newes in
regard I know itt is not usuall with you to write any, though
itt bee to your best friends. I will assure you I take each line
of your letters for a favour, which if I know not how to requite,
I desire you to impute it to want of ability, not of good will,
love or affection.

I know not whether to thanke your selfe or my most
honored Cozin Dallison for sending mee the bookes I re-
ceived ; to which of you soever the thankes belong, they
ought to bee the more in regard such care was taken I should
have all, that itt was thought fitt rather to send me three
severall copies of some then I should misse of anie one.

Your Care of your wife and children I like verie well of, in
regard whatever come of mee, or anie of mine, I desire to have
some of the bloud of Him who is most deare to mee to bee
remaining uppon the face of the earth.

The desire of the Parliament in haveing the Forts and

^95

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1641

Militia in such commanders’ hands as they may confide in, if
itt cannot obtain neither by the one way nor the other, I hold
itt and myselfe in some what a desperate Case, if not by
Reason of Vipers att home, yett of enemies abroad.

I beleive all you have conjectured will prove too true,
except (to use your owne expression, for I know not how to
make one so good) God worke miracles paralell to some of
them of old ; and I am afraid miracles are ceased.

Wee have had such ill lucke in chosing knights for our
Shire as I am discouraged in taking pames in chosing anie
more. I must confesse itt did ever runne in my head, that
Sir Edward Deereing has so used to turne round in his
Studie that hee would doe the like in the Parliament House.
Pray God his much turning hath not made his head dazie,
and that hee doth not turne out of his right witts. I pray
confide that I will not shew, or report any of your letters to
your prejudice ; I hope I have now attained to that degree of
perfection as to know what is fitting to shew, or report, and
what not, and to whom not ; and bee you for ever assured, I
shall bee more tender of your repute then of mine owne.

Pirn’s speech, if I have anie judgement is excellent. I thank
you for your remembrance of my Mistris, whom the more I
am acquainted with, the more I find myselfe obliged to love ;
and in regard I take her as my child and friend, without all
peradventure I shall bee the more tender of her, and whoso-
ever shall blame mee for being soe (though itt were my owne
mother) I should think myselfe little beholding to her for itt ;
neither can I possibly beleive any body liveing (whatsoever
may be pretended) can love mee that shall now anie way goe
about to make a separation betweene myselfe and her ; whom
I must, I ought and I will most dearly love, till I have, (which
I strongly confide will bee never) iust reason to the contrary.

I doe perswade my selfe, I have ever bene as reall and true
to my friends as any man liveing uppon the earth, and I will
not now begin to bee false to them, and my selfe too ; and I
hope I have so much knowledge ioyned with my honestie, as
now not to be ignorant of what is reasonably fitt for mee to

296

1641] THE BRINK OF CIVIL WAR

doe ; and therefore doe not stand so much in neede of advice
from my friends as consent to this intended action of mine,
which I hope may adde a great measure of felicity to mee, in
setling my cogitations to a staid and religious course of life,
which will bee the only meanes to save both my body and
soule ; the preservation whereof itt is now high time for me
to respect, before any worldly honours, pleasures, riches or
preferment whatsoever.

As concerning the fault you say my Mother layeth uppon
you, I do here under my hand, absolutely cleare you of itt. I
could say much, but this shall suffice, that according to the
nature of women, it seemes of a moalehill she hath made a
mountaine so great that it hath reached up to London ; shee
begins to bee in years and hath forgott what portion shee
brought her selfe to One whose estate was far more then mine,
as the Case stands with me ; and wherein shee did exceede
the Partie in other things, perhaps itt may bee as much un-
knowne to others as I am sure itt is to mee. I am sorrie I
am forced to say thus much, yett I am the less, when I think
uppon the command of my Lord and Saviour to forsake
Father and Mother and cleave to my owne Flesh : however
passion shall never transport mee so farre as like cham to dis-
cover the nakednesse of my Parents, nor to resemble that
foule and evill bird which bewraies her owne nest.

I suppose by this time the Kentish petition is presented to
the Parliament , 1 at the presentation of which I should not
have bene absent, if my health had bene answereable to my
minde.

I desire to know how long you intend to stay att London ?
when you intend to bee in Kent ? and whether you intend
to bee there againe in Easter tearme ? I pray lett mee heare
from you next Saturday, and beleive there is not that man
alive who doth so much love and honour you as

Your unalterable and affectionate friend
and most humble servant

H. E.

1 It did not reach the house till April 30, 1643, cf. Gardiner, ii. 457.

297

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1641
CCXXX (Draft)

HENRY OXINDEN to ELIZABETH DALLISON

[MS. 28,000, f. 382V.]

Honored Cozin,

I am much delighted with your resemblance of my
cozin M rs verses to a beare unlicked ; as allso with your two
other following conceits, wherein you shewed your owne
mother witt soe eloquently as it greves me that my deare be-
loved Cozin is not in these partes that I might make him par-
take of the happines of the sight of them, together with my-
selfe ; for to him and him alone my iudgement will permit
me to shew them. As concerning that which my most
honored unkle desires to bee informed of concerning my
neighbour Sir Anthony, this much ; viz. that for aught Sir
George Theobald, my Cozin Masters and myselfe, or any of
the courtears could perceive the king was noe way disliked
at Sir Anthony Percifal’s busynes and about his bulwarke ;
otherwise he would not have gon thither severall times him-
selfe and carried his Q. thether with him and received enter-
taynements there ; and Sir George positively affirmed unto
mee that he can not perceive but that Sir Anthony stands in
great favour at Court, etc. I have this morning sent to
Mr. Mayor and some others for a copy of the Canterbury
petition if it bee to bee had. I have given order to have it
put up with my letter and sent unto you ; if I cannot get it
I hope my unkle will excuse of my endeavour, which hath bene
earnest and according to my best judgment : I thanke you
for sending mee the bookes I rd : if Sir Edward Deering’s
booke bee yet to bee had at a low rate I would willinglie have
it, otherwise noe. Amongst the books you sent mee there
was one contening Rules to get children by with handsome
faces ; but I beleive I know a better rule then any there, and
that is to chose a fair wife, and then, if it be not the man's
fault, the children are likely to bee beautyfull enough.

I thank you for your care in buying mee a ring, wee shall
expect noe better then 5 or 6 and twenty nobles will by : wee

298

MARY THEOBALD, LADY OXINDEN, 2nd. WIFE OF SIR HENRY OXINDEN,
KT., OF DEANE.

From a portrait by Marc Ghaeraedts, in the possession of Lady Capel Cure
Photographer, Medici Society.

1641] THE BRINK OF CIVIL WAR

doe thinke one of one diamond will bee most compleate : I
shuld thinke in these dead times such toyes might be had at
easiest rates ; I shall rest wholy uppon your iudgment in the
choice of that, as allso of the bed, and assure yourselfe I
cannot but bee in love with what you in your judgment shall
thinke to bee best for us.

The hight of the bed is 7 f. 7 inches ; the bredth 6 foote
three inches ; the length is 7 foote ; the 4 posts at the biggest
place 1 f. round ; and at the top, at the least place, 7 inches
and a halfe, and grow lesse and lesse by equall proportions.
We would willingly have of the latest fashion, for this is all
the beds we are like to make in our time, and were it not, as
I may say, a case of absolute necessity, we shuld not put our-
selves to the cost [of] a bed, and now especially these turbulent
and uncertaine times. We shall send up money when wee
know how much will sele the bond. 1 . . .

I shall acquaint my brother James as from my Ant how
dangerous it will bee for him to converse with the minister
you have named in your letter ; if I shuld doe it as from my-
selfe I doe find hee will now little regard my counsell, for hee
thinks hee knows soe much more then I, that I shall but lose
my labour to goe about it : besides his tenets are soe mightily
different from mine as causes the more strangenes betweene
us : my conscience tells mee that it is fitting there should be a
reformation both in life and doctrine, and his, according to the
Episcopall Cathedrall or prelaticall preists, needs not soe
much that as a Religion which may advance the pompe and
libertie of the clergie over the Laytie ; and I find him to dis-
like all those men who are of a different opinion with him,
though his friends and good men.

It was a noble act of Sir James, my Lady and yourselfe, act
most worthy to be requited amongst everlasting rewards, in
procuring him this liveing ; and my prayers are that he may
soe live and teach as that noe envious adversaries may ever
have just occasion to goe about to put him from it. Would

1 Passage omitted which is repeated in another letter, about Mrs.
Oxinden’s attitude to Katherine Culling.

299

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1641

hee but consider with himselfe how many kindes of men no
lesse deserving then himselfe live all their lives and are not able
to gett any preferment at all ; or would hee but seriously weigh
with himselfe how that that learning hee hath, hath cost him
full at 300 1 of his own mony, besides 200 1 of mine, I should
thinke it might make him want enough not to hazard the losse ;
it might make him the more warie and vigilant [toward] his
enemies and the more apt and willing to hearken to the good
consell of his frends. It might make him the more studious
to keepe what his friends have procured for him.

CCXXXI

ADAM OXINDEN to MRS. KATHERINE OXINDEN

[MS. 28,000, f. 180]

Most Kinde and Lovinge Mother,

My most humble duty remembred unto you, being
glad to heare of your good health, I reaseaved your kinde
letter, for which I give you many thankes. Lovinge mother,
though I have beene a little given to Company-keepinge i am
sure i have found the misery of it mysealfe. And God hath
recalled mee backe, And i hope that God will give mee his
grace to keepe mee from it. Lovinge mother, Pray bee not
anywayes troubled because that i went out of the proffession
you placed mee in, for i hope by the grace of God and your
prayers for mee i shall doe as well in any other whatsoever,
that i may live in a credible way. Times beeinge soe danger-
ous and so uncertayne it gives very little incouragement to
shopkeepers ; my master hath promised mee my freedom
when my time is expired. And I hope bie that time things
will bee better settled.

I pray remember my servis to my Brother Oxinden, Soe
ever praying to God to blesse you with a happy and Longe
life heare, And praying to God for your health as in duty i
am bound, I rest

Your ever dutifull sonne till death
March last 1642 Adam Oxinden

300

1642] THE BRINK OF CIVIL WAR

CCXXXII

HENRY OXINDEN OF DEANE to HENRY OF BARHAM
[MS. 28,000, f. 50]

Cozen,

How to answere your letter punctually as I would
doe I know nott, having an ill memorie, and your letter nott
about mee ; itt came butt very lately to my hand, by reason
of the great distance that is from the lodging where wee live
and blacke friers, ioyn’d with theire forgettfulnes and my
sister Dallison’s being then out of towne, yett I thinke since
I receiv’d itt there hath been no returne. For newes I can
certifie you but very little good, and for bad that is seldome
welcome, so I shall bee short. The Keeper hath sent away
the seale by the king’s command and himself e is run after ;
there were posts sent to raise the countrie and attach him if
possible and bring him backe b [MS. torn] too late and hee is
with the king. This hath struck some with amazement, in
some rais’d coller, in others ioye and contentment, butt by
most sadly consid’red as a matter of very ill consequence.
Hee begun to bee the darling of lords house and much con-
fided in, hee had the casting voice for m[iliti]a and argued
itt often and stronglie as very necessary and lawfull, and
doubtlesse hee was trusted with many secretts and intentions
of both houses, in the discovery of which greatt things may
ensue. The Pari, intend to stopp the remove of the terme
[MS. torn] iff possible, the absence of the Seale is of that dis-
advantage to the houses and advantage to the King [MS.
blotted] as few things have happened more since the con-
ventions ; how theyle terme the King’s messages, answeres,
declarations and proclamations, bare printed papers, when
they have the broad Seale and King’s hand for authoritie, I
know nott, sure I am theyle bee observed and obeyed of very
many ; there are two or 3 Sheeres have mustred in obedience
to the ordnance, Middlesex doth this day and lincorne to-
morrow, where the King itt is sayd intends to bee and divert
them if hee can ; from Yorke there came a post last night, butt

3°i

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1642

what news I know nott. Itt is sayd thatt there is a committee
apointed for an accommodation, and some say the going away
of the Keeper will forward itt. They doe so little confide in
Kent that they are afraid to send downe their ordnance. I
know nott whether my father or sister hath bought you any
bookes, butt if they have nott you shall nott fayle of some ;
too morrow wee intend to goe for Leeds, where I shall bee
glad to see you beef ore next terme. The king is heigher
then ever, the pari: abate little, God of his mercy send union,
in whose mercy I committ you and rest

Yours att command

[Probable date May 1642]

H. Oxinden

CCXXXIII

THOMAS BARROW to MRS. KATHERINE OXINDEN
[MS. 28,000, f. 191]

Lovinge Mother,

I was looth to write to you tell I could write some
certeinty conceminge my brother Adam, he is nowe, and I
hope very well, placed under one Mr. Gilbertt who is one of
the Cheife under the Earle of Leister ; he goes nott as a
souldier butt as Clark to his Master. I hope it will prove
very well and happie for him ; I have done the utmost of
my power for his preferment, and I could finde noe way more
likely to suite with his disposition then the way he is nowe in.
I pray God give a blessing to his resolutions and Indeauors.
I must say this much for my brother Adam his behalfe, that
since he came out from the exchaunge, and that itt was re-
solved he should not live longer a prentice, he hath lived as
civilly and as orderly as any young man in towne, and there
is noe feare nor doubt butt he will doe exceeding well, for I
knowe not a better governed young man then he is, and his
master liketh him exceeding well and hath promised mee that
when Ireland shall be againe setled he will preferr him to a
very good place, the which he can very well doe. For he is a

302

1642] THE BRINK OF CIVIL WAR

man very well beloved ther, and is ther a parliament man.
Newes I cannot write any, I cannot see but thatt we are all
in the way to be a miserable people, for heere is nothinge butt
distractions, the which makes mee feare will bring us too
confusion, and I pray God wee may not have just cause to say
that what wee tooke to be for our wealth be nott unto us an
occasion of falling ; here is great, too greate, feare of itt, but
wee must submitt to God’s will, he give us grace to take the
true and right way and patience to beare what ever he sends ;
and soe with the remembrance of my humble duty to you and
my love to my sister Elizabeth, I rest

Your truly loving dutifull sonn

Tho: Barrow

Lo. >]th June
1642

CCXXXIV

MARGARET, LADY OXINDEN to MRS. KATHERINE OXINDEN
[MS. 28,000, f. 93]

Good Sister,

Heer was with me this morning my Cosin Adam
whos plas that we all thought so fit for him is com to nothing,
by reson my Lord of Lester is not like to go to eyrlland, to
whos soldrigary my Cosin shold have bin on of the secrettarys,
so he is wholy to seeke of an Imployment now. M tr broks
that he is with all is wery of his being ther, which I persave
much discontents my Cosin Adam, and as he saith, meat and
drink is not all that he must have, for that sut his master made
him is bad now and more Clothes he is Shure he canot have
of him ; my Lord of Lester’s Secretary sayth if he can procure
his frends to set him out with these, which he sayth 20 or
thirty pound will do, he will plase him with a Captayne of his
aquayntance, to be his Aynshant [Ancient] . Now his desire is
that you wold give your Consent to this imployment and get
his brother to send him 20 11 , which he sayth he will make serve
his turne, and that it might be with speed, for the plas canot

303

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1642

be stayed a bove 14 days for him. I sent for my cosin
barrow, who estemeth that and this plase may be had, and
that if my Cosin Hary be not fited with present monies, he will
lay it downe for him, a pon a condision that my cosin hary will
prefix a time of paying it him a gayne, and that if my cosin
have to returne, he will bethought that my cosin Adam shall
pay it him a gayne, if my cosin dy than thay say my Cosin
Hary may pay himself. For my advise, trewly Sister I see
not any cors he can take but he must run hasards, and the
plase he now is in he canot continew in, nether is it any
advancment for him if he cold. My brother partherich was
now heer and teleth us my Cosin Richard’s Cornell is now
Sir William Ogell, 1 who loveth my brother Partherich ex-
cedingly and hath promised to befrend my cosin much, so as
I doubt not if god send him life he will rays his fortunes very
much. What with this pay, and monyes put into his hands
for to rays his men, and pay that was dew to him in the north,
which he neer had payd him, and that mony for pay he had
for his jorny with the king to winsor, [it] hath set him out in
a very comendable way, as I beleve most kaptaynes wer, and
monyes in his pers to ; he toke his jorny from this towne this
day senight. I pray sister send me your speedy answer. So
with my harty love to you and the like from my daughter
Dallison, I comit you to God allmighti and rest

Your most afectionat sister

Margaret Oxinden

CCXXXV

RICHARD OXINDEN to HENRY OXINDEN
[MS. 28,000, f. 178]

[Sir James Oxinden and his family when in London lodged at
4 4 one Mr. Sparks, Shoemaker, at the signe of the peacock in
blackfryers nere the Church

When Richard Oxinden speaks of the “ over-ruling zeal of the
blackfriars ” he is probably indulging in a little pleasantry about

1 Ogle.

3°4

1642] THE BRINK OF CIVIL WAR

the good advice he has received from his relations in that neigh-
bourhood.]

Deere Brother,

I must confesse that you have just cause to lay that
ugly sinne of Ingratitude to my Charge, in regard that in all
this time I have not retumde my thankfullnes unto you for
soe many favers received from you when I was laste with you
in Keente, and I am fearfull that I sholde have still lived in
forgeetfullnesse had I not bin roused up with the overrewlinge
zeale of the blacke freyares ; I hope your goodnes will pardon
this neglect in mee, in regard that it hath not bin my Custum
to write unto any allthou I loved them neaver so deerly, not
that I alowe any to bee seuperior to you in my affacktiones.
I thinke my time that I have to stay in this Kingdome is but
shorte, I shoolde have taken it for a greate deale of happines
if I might have bin so fortunat as to have seene you beefore
my departure, but we are all tide to adendance and eavary day
expackte munnies to disspache us, which is the only cause of
our stay. For other sitty newes Sir James will give you
beetter sattisfaction than I cane by writinge.

I heare that you ar towardes another wife, I pray God shee
maye bee such a one as may anser your desiers in all thinges.
I should thinke myseelfe much bownde unto fortune if it
might ly in my waie to sarve you, that you may finde the
diffarance beetwene my expression and my reallity acordinge
to youre desire. I [have] to leete you understand that my
Cosen Katherine Howbart is in towne, and woulde bee very
glad to see you, if you plese to you may heare of her at
my Brother Barrowes. I shall desire this favor from you to
present my humble dewty to my mother, not for geetinge my
Brother James and my sister Dallison and my humble sarvis
to your faire mistris (by mee unknowne) and to all the reest of
your lovinge frendes and mine, more I dare not write, for I
am fearfull that you will not picke oute the sume of these
rewde lines that I have allredy written. Craving pardon of
you for this large extent of trouble, with my eaver acknow-
ledged thankfullnes unto you for all your kinde respactes
u 3°5

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1642

and my trew love and favurs remembered to yourselfe, I
humbly take my leave and rest

Your eaver loving Brother
to sarve you

Richard Oxinden

Sariant [Sergeant]

Hobart

CCXXXVI

HENRY OXINDEN OF DEANE to HENRY OF BARHAM

[MS. 28,000, f. 190]

Honor’d Cozen,

Sending my boy into East Kent, I should have held itt
a great breach of privilege of frendshype and that due respect
love and service I owe you had I nott saluted you, your fair
Mistris and mother with my best wishes and servis and
desired to heare of your healthe and welfare.

I am now returned to Leeds againe (Sir William 1 and
my Ladie having quite layd aside their journey into wayles)
where by reason of want of horses, I must keepe the house,
one of mine being lame, an other att Grasse some 30 miles
hence, and the third a colt by her side, which troubles mee the
more in regard of the great desire I had to steale over and
spend 3 or 4 dayes with you, att your owne house, which
since itt can nott bee, I must content my selfe with contem-
plation only, and reserve that my happines till some time after
next terme. Nor can I see you possibly before, unlesse your
occasione can afford you so much idle time as to lett us see
you heere ; pray pleasure mee with a little news of your
countrie and lett me know, if you can, how itt stands affected.
I am sure the Pari: neither affect itt, nor dare confide in itt, for
ought I perceive ; yett the countriemen and good part of the
Gentrie, I hope, stand firme ; now union or never, for All is
att stake, and the rent is conceived to bee so great that it can
hardly bee drawne up ; wherefore continue to doe good for
1 That is his father-in-law, Sir William Meredith.

306

1642] THE BRINK OF CIVIL WAR

your countreis service, for I have hard commendations of you
for itt. For the Malignants which you say love mee so little,
I neither feare nor care for them ; God and a good con-
sience I hope will diliver me from them, which I desire to
bee next to the bearer. There is a new remonstrance come
forth since the great one ; itt came outt Last Friday morn-
ing, which with the other I thinke will satisfie any resonable
person ; pray lett mee know how Vince Den doth, and re-
member mee to him. Pray bee a little free and copious con-
cerning the passages of the countrie, beetweene whom so
ever, which may anyway tend to my advantage or securitie
by the knowledge thereof, for now, if ever, itt is most fitt to
know a man’s foes from his frends.

Sir William and his Ladie present their servis to you, so
doth my wife, and to your mistris and mother, pray accept
of mine also againe from

Your most affectionat and faythfull
cozen and servant

Henry Oxinden

For Sir Anth: Percevall’s busines I can give you very little
account of itt, only this, the question being putt, the votes of
the committee were equally divided, my uncle partrich did
butt steppe out to speake a word with a frend and the question
was put in the interim, who would have been against him had
hee been present ; butt this makes nothing, for itt must
passe the house.

Leeds Abby May the 30 th
1642

CCXXXVII

HENRY OXINDEN OF DEANE to HENRY OF BARHAM

[MS. 28,000, f. 197]

[Vincent Denne of Wenderton, as the Diary records twice over,
died on June nth, 1642. He appointed Henry Oxinden his
executor, a mark of confidence which had disastrous results upon

307

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1643

his friend’s subsequent fortunes, involving him in protracted
law-suits with the Denne family.]

Most Worthy Cozin,

I must heere in the first place condole with you for
your great losse of so true a friend, and truly I account my
selfe to beare a good share therein ; now that dutie is done,
I hope I may have leave and cause to congratulate with you in
that great trust and confidence hee hath reposed in you above
all his other friends, how neere or deere so ever, whether
brother, sister or nephew etct: in this office I wish you
hartilie both contentement and quiettnesse, which I doubt
nott off, if he hath settled things so discreetly as I hope hee
hath. Lett mee hear a word or two pray of this for my satis-
faction, and of his manner of diing. The letter you sent mee,
by my boy, was full of delight to mee (and I retume you a full
of thankes for itt) especially the inclosed secrett passages,
which if you have any now they will without feare, safe and
securely come to my hands. I live heere in the shade both
of newes and conversation, especially of my owne country,
and I know you doe nott butt beeleive thatt the one or the
other would bee very comfortable. And amongst the rest
pray lett mee know how the captaines of your country stand
affected to the time, and their places, and wether there be any
remove of any of them, or any that quitt their places volun-
tarily, and how you thinke the ordinance will bee obeyed and
when you expect itt. And trulie to deale freely and ingeni-
ously with you (for I could never doe otherwise with you,
though itt were to the greatt hazard of frendship and some-
times to my dammage) I am much diswaded and importun’d
by my best and deerest frends, on both sides, nott to medle
w th the Militia ; you only excepted, whose opinion and judge-
ment I shall a greatt deale valew and desire in this point.
All their arguments were to tedious to sett downe . He trouble
you but with one or two. To sett still and take noe parts,
especially as a commander, is the wisest and safest way: next
they allege the necessitie why I should, and impossibilitie
why I can nott, live upon the place, the latter because of my

308

1642] THE BRINK OF CIVIL WAR

weake estate, and multiplicitie of suites, expenses and busines,
to which I must give an Assiduall and necessary attendance
where ere the terme bee. Then they urge the proclamation
and invaliditie of the ordinance and power of the King’s
punishment, wich is by death and confiscation if conqueror,
the parliament having only power to fine and imprison. With
these and such like they seeke to divert mee, and I feare I
shall have att last a command upon pain [of] disobedience nott
to medle, and then I shall bee att stand. In this as in all
other weightie affaires, I shall and doe desire and implore
your councell, iudgement and grave advise, which is and ever
shall bee much esteemed and valued,

Your most affectionate frend and servant

Henry Oxinden

Leeds Abby June the 18 th 1642

I am still in the same want of horses I was when I wrott to
you last, and have still the same desire I had to see you, and
since your occasions bee such that dayes cannott bee spared
by you, yett mee thinks they can nott bee soe greatt but that
a few houres might bee spared to see and converse with a
frend. For which pourpose, if you thinke so fitt and your
better time will permitt, I will borrow a horse of Sir William,
which I know hee will lend mee for so little a way and time,
and mett you att Chollocke lees, at the ale house there, or att
Molish, 1 which is a mile neerer you, att what time you will
appoint on Tuesday morning, which is the day I had rather
itt should bee of then any, yett I will submitt to your con-
ven[ien]cie.

My wife and I present our servis to your faire mistris and
selfe as also to my aunt etc; wee longe to know when wee may
joye you. This boy I send only to you ; he nether goes to
Wingham nor any other place, and lett itt nott bee knowne
that he was with you, butt send him early away on Munday.

1 Challock (still pronounced Chollock) and Molash are villages midway
between Leeds and Canterbury.

309

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1642

CCXXXVIII

THOMAS BARROW to HENRY OXINDEN

[MS. 28,000, f. 209]

[James Oxinden married on July nth, 1642, a widow, Mrs.
Maria Pattison.]

Lovinge Brother,

I received your letter and doe most kindly thanke you
for your kind remembrance, I am hartily glad to heare of your
good health with the health off the rest of my frends.

Iff my brother James hath nott made more hast then good
speed I am hartily glad to heare of his marriadge. Iff he
hath, I presume itt was his owne act, and he must nowe make
the best off a bad cause, butt I presume the proverbe rann in
his head, happy is that woynge that is nott long a doynge.
I shall nott cease to pray to God to make your marriadge when
ever itt be, and his thatt is alreadie past, happy and success-
full to you both, and I have sentt such things as are newly
come forth too the former ; I presume you have them
alreadie. Concerning newes nott in printt, here is litle. Here
is great preparations for wars, butt not against the Kinge,
happily nott against his person butt Crowne ; yett we fight for
Religion, butt I d[ecl]are our fight nott for the true protestant
religion, thats the least of ther thoughts, butt for too maintain
ther newe invented sismaticall factions and ther hereticall
opinions ; and I doe veryly beleue did [you] butt see and
knowe the passages I have sene and knowe, or had you butt
heard the discourse I heard from a parliament man this day,
you would persist from being soe strong a parliamentarian, and
after a short time I make noe question butt you will see some
good cause too alter your opinion ; butt however, I hope though
wee differ in opinion conceminge k. and pari: yett I hope we
have one Lord, one fayth, one Baptisme, and Iff wee have soe,
itt is more than many brothers nowe a day have, for her is
nowe nott onely differences betwene brothers butt between©
fathers and children concerninge fayth and Baptisme. I am
afrayd they will shortly find out a newe God, alsoe, butt

310

1642] THE BRINK OF CIVIL WAR

enough off thatt subiect. I have here inclosed a bill, and
indeed itt is nowe a deed of Charity to pay mony for I nevere
wanted itt more in life. I make account, God permitting, to
goe tomorrow or next day to see my wife and children, whoe
hath beene this month or 5 weeks in Cambridgeshere, and I
shall not bee at home tell this day fortnight.

I pray remember my duty to my mother, love to my sister
Elizabeth, nott forgetting my true respects to you and too her
whoe shall shortly be your second selfe, I rest

Your truly loving brother at Comand

Thomas Barrow

Lon: this yd July 1642

CCXXXIX

HENRY OXINDEN OF DEANE to HENRY OF BARHAM

[MS. 28,000, f. 213]

Most Honored Cozen,

Had I the pen of a readie writter I could expresse to
the life the joy and contentment I received by your last
societie, for which (in plaine termes) I thanke you, and wish
that att your best leasure you would prefix a time of meeting
there again, some morninge, I meane att Molish, which done,
I would send my boy beforehand to provide something for
our dinners. I was in good hope ere this to have had a
letter from you, of satisfaction concerninge the dispositions of
the Kaptaines in your countrie, as also when the Ordinance
of the 'Militia is expected, and how you thinke itt will bee
obeyed, as likewise about some other matters we discoursed
of, but of you and these as yett I have heard nothing. It is
heere reported thatt the king hath and intends to send com-
missions of aray to all the counties of England and Wales, and
that in some counties the settlement of the Militia by
vertue of the Ordnance of Pari: hath been much opposed and
hindred, insomuch that my Lord Willouby of Parham and

3 1 *

THE OXINDEN LETTERS [1642

many other Lord Leuitenants are returned to the Pari: with-
out effecting the worke. I heare that Sir Thomas Palmer
is in the commission of Aray and so is Anthony Hammon, for
Kent. I would gladly know whether they exept of itt, or no,
or can refuse itt ; if itt be true, wee shall have old doings, and
woe bee to our poore countrie ; sure I am, I will much rather
quitte my place then obey, or serve under any comission
without co[n]sent of, much lesse against the Pari: ittselfe and
our owne lawes and liberties. I heare that Ned Sands hath
bought fourniture for twentie horse, and hath gott an order
of Pari: for the maintainning of them ; of the order say nothing,
for I think hee would not have itt knowne. I can nott butt
thinke what a blunder and ravage hee will make upon the
Araymen with his 20 horse.

The busines you and I talk’d of, concerning your peyrill,
I have acquainted them with, butt as yett, have had noe
satisfaction.

Heere is a buzinge bruit of something done by Sir John
Pennington about the downes, I would gladlie know what itt is.
Mee thinks my condition beetwixt the commission of Aray
and ordinance of Pari: is like his that is between Silla and
Carybdis, and nothing butt Omnipotentcie can bring mee
clearely and reputably off, yett I would bee most glad to heare
the best human advise I know (which is yours) in this point ;
and to bee informed of the examples of wiser men, and
amongst them what Sir James Hales and Ned Monings in-
tend to doe. So with our Servis to your Selfe, mistris and
rest of your familie, I rest

Your most affectionatt frend and servant

Henr: Oxinden

Julie the 20 th

1642

Leeds

If you appoint some day this weeke I shall bee glad, for
next weeke I must goe to London.

312

1642] THE BRINK OF CIVIL WAR

CCXL

HENRY OXINDEN OF DEANE to HENRY OF BARHAM
[MS. 28,000, f. 220]

COSIN OXINDEN,

Whatt you sent us wee kindly except, and return the
same from us to you, our best respects and service, and for a
requitall of news, I tell you that whereas you say the com-
mission of array will not be obey’d by an equall part of the
Gentrie nor anie considerable part of free-holders in your
parts, itt will find obedience of five gentlemen for one and of
the major part of yeomen in these parts, I am credibly
informed.

I desire a paire signetts, cock and henne if possible, or
rather claime them by coustome, and promise itt will nott
bee long ere I see you, in the meane time, farewell.

Your affectionatt frend

Hen: Oxinden

Leeds Abby
August the 20th 1642

3*3

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Manuscript Sources

Additional MSS., 27,999, 28,000, British Museum.

Peyton Letters, by permission of Lady Capel Cure.

Oxinden Papers. Collections of the Kent Archaeological Society,
Maidstone Museum.

Oxinden Papers, Dean and Chapter Library, Canterbury.

Register of Kingston Church, Kent.

Printed Sources
I. General

The Genealogist , vol. viii, vols. xxxi-xxxviii, containing the Diary
of Henry Oxinden of Barham.

S. R. Gardiner, Fall of the Monarchy of Charles J, vols. i and ii
(1882).

Calendars of Domestic State Papers, Charles I, 1631-1640.
Cambridge Modern History , vol. iv : Thirty Years’ War.

Dictionary of National Biography .

Fowler, History of Corpus Christi College (1893).

Baker, History of St. John's College, Cambridge , ed. J. E. B. Mayor
(1869).

Chalmers' Poets (1810), vol. iv : Warner, Albion’s England, vol. v :
Donne’s Poems.

Hegge, Legend of St. Cuthbert, ed. J. B. Taylor (1816).
Lee-Wamer, Life of John Warner, Bishop of Rochester (1901).

C. T. Martin, Minutes of Parliament of the Middle Temple.

Shaw, Knights of England .

II. Kentish History and Topography
Harris, History of Kent (1719).

Hasted, History of Kent, 4 vols. (1790), principally vols. iii and iv.
W. Berry, Pedigrees of the Families of the County of Kent (1830).
Philipott, Villare Cantianum.

Archceologia Cantiana , principally vol. vi.

Woodruff and Danks, Memorials of the Cathedral and Priory of
Christ in Canterbury (1912).

Cowper, Canterbury Marriage Licences.

Harleian Society, Registers of Canterbury Cathedral (1878).

Hussey, Chronicles of Wingham (1896).

314

INDEX

A

Abell, Alderman, 185.

Aldey (Aldy) Edward, Minister of
St. Andrew's, Canterbury, Ac-
count of, 15 ; 17, 184, 265.

Aldrich, Dr. Francis, Principal of
Sidney Coll., Cambridge, 121.

Aldrich, Simon, father of Mrs.
John Swan, 121, 189.

Alexander, Sir William of Men-
strie, Earl of Stirling, grantee of
Nova Scotia, 141.

Alkham, Vicarage of, 47.

Allen, Marie, see Culling, James.

Amboyna, Massacre at, 4, 18. A
True Relation of the Proceedings
at, 17, 18. Governor of. Van
Speult, 4.

Anyan, Dr. Thomas, President of
C C.C., Oxford, xxiv, Account
of, 16 ; 17, 27, 46.

Aristotle, quoted, 205 ; Ethicks of,
borrowed, 48.

Array, Commissions of, issued by
Charles I, xxxiv, 256, 312, 313.

Ash, next Sandwich, xiv ; Manor
of Goshall in, 148.

Ashford, girls' school at, xxix, 149.

Astley, Sir Jacob, sent into the
North, 137, 142.

Aucher, Sir Anthony, of Bourne
Park, 8 ; Portraits of his family,
xvii.

Austria, at war, 5, 10.

B

Baker, Arthur, son of Sir Richard
Baker, 224.

Baker, Frances (Wilsford), Lady,
(“ The Lady ”), xxxi, xxxii,
17 5> 193 ; account of, 223-4 l
carries Katherine Culling to
London, 225-6, 228-232, 237,
243 ; tries to marry her to
Shelton, 244; 245, 251, 280.

Baker, Mary, see Oxinden, Henry,
of Dene.

Baker, Sir Richard, author of A
Chronicle of the Kings of Eng-
land , xxxi, xxxii ; account of,
223-4.

Baker, Sir Thomas, husband of
Lady Baker, xxxi ; account of,
223-4 \ f ai ls t0 pay cess, 231.

Balcanquall, Dr. Walter, Rector of
Kingston, Dean of Rochester
and Durham, xvn, xxii, 3 ; ac-
count of, 8 ; his relation of Bo-
hemian campaign, 9, 10 ; letter
of, to Sir James Oxinden, V ;

1 91, 224.

Bargrave, family of, xvii, 112.

Bargrave, Robert, of Bifrons, 2 ;
account of, 112 ; tries Goodwife
Gilnot for witchcraft, 220 ;
letter of, to Mrs Anne Oxinden,
XCIV ; wife of, Elizabeth (Pey-
ton), 1 12.

Bargrave, Isaac, Dean of Canter-
bury, xvi, 1 12, 127, 132; goes
hunting, 146 ; 232.

Barham, xix, 1, 44, 56, 105, 124 ;
chapelry of, 203 ; church of ,xxxm,
140 ; pews m, 124-8; sermon at,
241 ; Covert Wood m, 106; estates
in, 96; (Gathurst), xix, 97;
(Shelving), 124, 125 ; South
Barham, 47, 124, 125, 195, 224 ;
Mill in, 128 ; Parsonage of, 203,
207 ; bam at, 205, 207.

Barrow, Thomas, xxvii, xxviii,
85, hi (footnote) ; marries
Katherine Oxinden, 116 ; 122,
128, 130, 132-4, 138, 139, 144,
150-2, 157, 169, 186, 194, 195,
201, 209, 250, 251, 261, 304,
305. Letters from, to Henry Oxin-
den, CLI, CLVIII, CLIX, CLX,
CLXII, CLXIII, CLXVIII,
CLXXI, CLXXIV, CLXXVII,
CLXXXII, CLXXXV, CXC,
CCVI, CCX, CCXII,
CCXXXVIII ; to Mrs. Kathe-
rine Oxinden, CCXXXIII .

315

INDEX

Letters to, from Henry Oxmden,
116,129,210,214,219 (2), 249;
from Mrs. Katherine Oxinden,
117.

Barrow, Mrs* Katherine (Oxin-
den), xxviii, 53, 84, 89, 92;
courtship, in ; 116, 117, 122,
133, 144, 152, 218, 219, 220,
248; birth of her daughter, 250.

Beacon hill m Denton, 153, 177.

Beale, Dr. William, Master of St.
John’s College, Cambridge, 49,

72, 95, 1 85.

Beamond, John, of C.C.C., Oxford,

36, 38.

Beechborough, see Brockman, Sir
William.

Bekesbourne, Henry Oxinden
married at, 80 ; home of Thomas
Hales, 85, 89.

Berwick, Charles I goes to, 137,
151, 208.

Bifrons, see Bargrave.

Bishops, attacks on the, 15 1, 163,
187, 202, 258.

Bishopsboume, xvii, 203 ; church
of, Hooker’s, 8.

Blackiston, Robert, of C.C.C.,
Oxford, 35, 37, 39.

Blechynden, Francis, of St. John’s
Coll., Camb., tutor to James
Oxinden, xxv, 45 ; account of,

49 ; 50, 95 ; Letters from, to
Henry Oxinden, XXXVI,
XXXVIII, XLIV, XLIX, L,

LI, LIII, LV.

Bohemia, 3, 9, 10. King of, see
Frederick V, Ladislaus ; queen
of, see Elizabeth.

Books, Henry Oxinden *s, 48, 52,

64, 176, 267, 298 ; to cure love,
262, 263.

Boswell, Sir William, Secretary to
the Hague, xxiv ; account of,

76 ; 78.

Boulogne, gates of, at Hardres
Court, 11.

Boys, Mr., of Elmstone, 264.

Boys, Sir Edward, xxix, 121 ; ac-
count of, 230 ; 233 ; his wife,
Elizabeth (Hamon), 230, 233 ; his
seat, Fredfield (Fredville), 149.

Braems, Arnold, Dutch merchant,

316

xvii, 168 ; his seat. Bridge
Place, xvii, 168.

Breda, siege of, 4, 18.

Brent, Sir Nathaniel, Warden of
Merton College, Oxford, 85 ;
account of, 127. Letter from,
to Sir James Oxinden, CIX.

Brentius, quoted by Henry Oxin-
den, 220, 223.

Bridge, xvii, 168 ; Bridge Hill,
162, 175

Bridge Place, see Braems, Arnold.

Bridges, Stephen, of C.C C , Ox-
ford, 36, 38, 39.

Bristol, Earl of, John Digby (“My
Lord Dichbie ”), 3, 9.

Brockman, Sir William, 195 ; ac-
count of, 195 ,* 196, 233 ; his
seat, Beechborough, 193.

Brooke, seat of the Oxinden family,
m Wingham, xii.

Brooke, seat of the Oxmden
family, in Wingham, xii.

Brooker, Elizabeth, see Oxinden,
Sir Henry, of Dene.

Brooker, James, of Maydekin,
Barham, xviii, xix, 1.

Brooks, the Lords, 184.

Brooks, Mr., Adam Oxinden’s
master, xxvii, 84, 139, 148, 150,
208-213, 261, 303.

Broome Hall, seat of Sir Basil
Dixwell, xviii, xxxvi, 86 ; mak-
ing of, 96-101 ; 139, 140.

Bucquoy, Count de, 3, 10.

C

Cambridge, University, xxiv, xxvi,
11, 27, 45 ; plague at, 57, 58, 60,
230 ; 66, 67, 72, 83. Colleges
in, Emmanuel, 17, 18 ; St.
John’s, xxv, xxvi, 1, 45, 49, 62,
6S, 7°, 73, 83, 85, 95, 103, 104;
making Bridge and Organs at,
109, 185. Letters written from,
see under Blechynden, Francis ;
Fallowfeild, Henry ; Oxinden,
James; Pettit, Elias. Master of
St. John’s, see Beale, William.
Queens’, 34, 147-

Canterbury, cathedral of, 38, 203 ;
attacked by Roundheads, 230.
Chapels in ; St. Anselm, xi ;

INDEX

St. Michael, 28 ; Strangers’
Church in Crypt of, 12, 196 ;
"Deanery of (Latin Play), xv,
134 ; Dean and Chapter Lib-
rary of, 96, 124 ; Prebends of,
137 ; Sermon-house at, xv ;
Tower of, “ Bell Harry,” 256,
290.

Canterbury, city of, xi, xiii, xv,
xvi, xix, 1, 2, 5, 12, 59, 66, 126,
157, 170, 175, 210, 232, 286,
287, 290, 294 ; churches in ; St.
Alphege, 94 ; St. Andrew, 13 1,
232 ; St. Dunstan, xxm, 19, 20 ;
St. Margaret, 47, 121 ; St.
Mary Bredin, 266 ; St. Mildred,
230 ; St. Augustine’s Palace in
(St. Augustine’s Abbey), xxix,
194, 212 ; inns m, Chequers,
210 ; Queen’s Arms, 47, 105 ;
member for, see Wilsford, Sir
Thomas ; Mayor of, 298.

Capell, Moses, Rector of Bets-
hanger, 266.

Carlell, Family, of Shelving, 124-5 .

Carleton, Sir Dudley, Ambassador
at the Hague, 8, 76.

Challock, 309.

Chapman, Mr. Libbe, 50, 58, 63.

Charles I, Coronation of, 78 ; 137,
141, 151, 154 ; rides to open
Parliament, 161-2 ; 172, 183-4,
186, 204, 239 ; is entertained at
the Guildhall, 248 ; 255 ; visits
Canterbury Cathedral, 256, 290;
259, 271, 284-5, 287-8, 292 ;
visits Archcliffe Fort, 298 ; 301,
302, 309-10. Queen of, Hen-
rietta Maria; 138; postpones
her visit to the Spa, 194, 201,
204; 255-6, 290-2,298.

Chartham, 131, 155.

Claringbould, tenant of Mrs.
Katherine Oxinden, 149, 150.

Commonwealth, 282, 284.

Cooper, Ambrose, xix.

Cooper, Nicholas, the Oxindens’
servant, xix, xx, xxv, 30, 72, 130,

I3L 157, 277.

Coppm, Thomas, xxiv, xxxi, 4, 5 ;
parents of, Thomas and Silvester
(Denne), 30. Letters of, to
Vincent Deane, XXIV-XXVI,

XXXVII, XLII, XLVII, LII,
LXVI.

Cosin, Dr. John, 139 ; account of,
185 ; his trial, 187-9.

Cottington, Earl of, Lord Trea-
surer, xxxiv, 168, 187, 194, 200.

Coulverden, Robert, xxxii ; Letter
of, to Henry Oxinden, CCV
(p. 247).

Country, Paul, Merchant of Can-
terbury, 155.

Courthope, Lieutenant, 175.

Coverley, Sir Roger de, reads
Baker’s Chronicle, xxxi.

Cowsted, see Osborne, Edward.

Cranley, benefice of, 16, 27, 153.

Crayford, family of, 160 ; Mr.,
161, 162.

Crevecceur, Robert, founds Leeds
Abbey, 164, 165.

Crooke, Judge, 187.

Culling, Ellen, see Wood, Thomas.

Culling, Goodman James, xv, 130,
193, 225, 226, 244; 278-9 ;

wife of, Marie (Allen), xxxiii,
193 ; will of, 224, 229, 277.

Culling, Katherine, afterwards
Oxinden, xv, xxix, xxxi -xxxiii,
193, 195 ; carried to London by
Lady Baker, 225-240, 243-5, 251
(“ the Partie ”), 256 ; Henry
Oxinden’s courtship, 261-4, 268-
70, 276-280 ; letters to, from
Henry Oxinden, 270, 287 ; 291,
296-7, 309.

Culling, Leah, see Huffam, Michael.

Culling, Mary, see Denwood, Cap-
tain.

CutclifTe, Sir George, gives him-
self up, 189.

D

D alii son, Elizabeth (Oxinden), xv,
xxix, xxxii, xxxvi, 80, 84, no,
in, 116, 192, 195,225, 226,229,
256,258,260,281,286, 295,301,
305 . Letters of, to Henry Oxin-
den, CC, CCXXVII ; Letters
to, from Henry Oxinden, 236,
238,242,250, 261,267, 269,273,
288, 292, 298.

Dane, William, the garner, no,
hi.

317

INDEX

Deal, 154.

Delm6, Philip, Huguenot pastor,

196, 197.

Den, Jocosa, xi.

Dene (Dean) , Manor of, seat of Sir
Henry Oxinden, xii, xiii, xiv,
147,169,190,202,261 ; spelling
of, xxxvi .

Denne, family of, xvi, 30 ; seat of,
Denne Hill, xvi, 2, 30.

Denne, Thomas, 30, 34, 177.

Denne, Thomasin (Dane), grand-
mother of Thomas Coppin, 30,
32>5i,77-

Denne, Vincent, xvii, xxxi, xxxv,

2, 30, 31 ; buys estate of Wen-
derton, 33 ; 50, 54, 58, 62, 76,

195, 216, 230, 278 ; his death,

307 ; Letter of, to Henry Oxin-
den, CLXXXIX.

Denton, xviii, xix, xx, xxiii, 14 ;
church of, 21 ; 29, 30, 47, 75,

85, 96 ; court, 121 ; 126, 196.

Denwood, Captain, 193, 277 ; wife

of, Mary (Culling), 193, 225.

Dering, Sir Edward, of Surrenden
Dering, 196, 2 55 ; account of,

283 ; his speeches, 270, 283,

286 ; 292, 296, 298 ; wife of,
Unton (Gibbes), 196, 283.

Dickenson, Thomas, Cambridge
Carrier for Kent, 49, 83.

Digges, Sir Dudley, 96, 190 ;

daughter of, Mary Hammond,
q.v.

Dixwell, Sir Basil of Terlingham
and Broome Park (q.v.), 47, 85,

86, 96-101, 126, 149, 230 ;

Letter written by, to Henry
Oxinden, CXX

Dixwell, Captain John, the Regi-
cide, 230, 232, 288

Dohna, Christopher, Baron von,
3,4> 9-

Doncaster, Viscount, James Hay,

4-

Donne, Dr. John, xxxv ; author of
the Expostulation, quoted, 245,
246.

Dover, xiii, 127, 146, 191, 194, 196,
212, 230, 287 ; Axchcliffe Fort
(Bulwark) in, xvi, 193, 256, 290 ;
castle of, 127,230,283 ; member

318

for, see Boys, Sir Edward ; Hey-
man, Sir Peter ; Weston, Ben-
jamin.

Downs, Fight in, 137, 154 J 312.

Drayton, Francis, Thomas Oxin-
den’s Schoolmaster, 124, 140,
266a

Ducke, Dr., Chancellor of London,
138, 182.

Dundeaux (Dundy), Thomas, of
C.C.C., Oxford, 64

Durham, Cathedral of, 16, 185.

E

Eden, Dr., 189.

Edward III, xi.

Elector Palatine, see under Fre-
derick V.

Elizabeth, Queen, xix, 106, 17 1,
175, 195-

Elizabeth, Queen of Bohemia, xxii,
3) 4 , io-

Ellington, Isle of Thanet, see
Sprakeling, Sir Adam.

F

Fagge, Edward, of Faversham, 256;
daughter of, Lady Parthench, q v.

Falkner, Widow, tenant of Mrs.
Richard Oxinden, 122 ; marries
Woollett, 149 ; 150.

Fallowfeild, Henry, Tutor of St.
John’s Coll., Cambridge, xxv,
xxvi, 85 ; account of, 103 ;
Letter of, to Henry Oxinden,
LXXXIII.

Faversham, 130, 168, 256.

Ferdinand, see Spain, King of.

Fiennes, William, see Lord Saye
and Sele.

Finch, Lord, of Fordwich, Lord
Keeper, 138.

Fogge, Captain Richard, 47, 124-5;
son, of, Whittingham, 124-6.

Folkestone, letter from, 140 ; 149,
195-

France, King of, 50 ; 175.

Francklin, Thomas, of Ashford,
Scholar of C.C.C., xxv, 68.

Frederick V, Palsgrave, Elector
Palatine, King of Bohemia, 3,
9, 10, 290.

INDEX

Frederick Henry, of Nassau,
Prince of Orange (" Count
l?enry”),3.

Fredfield (Fredville), see Boys, Sir
Edward.

G

Gabor, Bethlen, Prince of Tran-
sylvania, 3, io.

Garwinton, see Proud, Colonel
William.

Gathurst, see Barham.

Gavelkind Land, 177, 278.

Gearing, Henry, of C.C.C., Oxford,
35, 37-

Gilnot, Goodwife, accused of
witchcraft, 195, 220-2.

Godfrey, Sir Peter, 232 ; wife of,
Sarah (Heyman), 288.

Godfrey, Sir Thomas, of Hepping-
ton, account of, 288 ; 290.

Goodman, John, the Jesuit, 139.

Goodnestone, next Faversham,
xxvi, 168 ; death of the Vicar,
Mr. Hunt, 260.

Goodnestone, next Wingham, xii,

14-

Grand Remonstrance, 194, 254,
257, 307-

Gravesend, 26, 60, 89, 105.

Great Chart, Nm’s Place in, 62.

Great Seal, 301.

Gnmston, Harbottle, Member for
Colchester, 137, 162

Guelderland, campaigns in, 29, 45 ;
Arnim in, 80.

Gustavus Adolphus, King of
Sweden, 78, 89.

H

Hadnam, Mr., tailor, 150, 170.

Hales, Sir James, of Dungeon
Manor, Canterbury, 85 ; ac-
count of, 106 ; 312 ; Letter of,
to Henry Oxinden, LXXXVI.

Hales, James, Sergeant-at-Law,
xiii.

Hales, John, at Synod of Dort, 8.

Hales, Thomas, of Bekesboume,
85, 88 ; wife of, Ann (Peyton),
85, 88, 89 ; sons of, Charles, 85,
88 ; Robert, 85, 91.

Hamilton, James, Marquis of, 78,

79 j 136-7, 142, (“ My Lord
Marques ”), 161.

Hammond, Anthony, 190 ; ac-
count of, 1 91 ; 233 ; wife of,
Mary (Digges), 190.

Hammond, Sir William, 8, 178 ;
wife of, Elizabeth, (afterwards
Balcanquall), 8 ; daughter of,
Margaret, Lady Sandys, q v. ;
seat of, St. Alban’s Court, 8.

Hardres, family of, 11 ; Sir
Thomas, n

Hardres, Sir Richard, 2 ; account
of, 11 ; 12, 106, 290 ; wife of,
Ann (Godfrey), 11 ; seat of,
Hardres Court, 2, 11, 12 ;

Letter of, to Richard Oxinden,
VL

Harthpp, see Osborne, Edward.

Hasted, author of History of Kent,

124, 283

Hathway, James, Vicar of Chislett,
266.

Hegge, Robert, Fellow of C.C.C.,
Oxford, xxv, 2, 5 ; account of,
15 , gift to him of embroidered
Testament, 23, 35, 46 ; hand-
writing, xxxvi ; Letters of, to
Richard Oxinden, X ; to Kathe-
rine Oxinden, XVI ; to Henry
Oxinden, XXXIII ; works of,
Legend of St. Cuthbert, 15, 16 ;
Treatise of Dials and Dialling ,
15 ; Catalogus of Fellows and
Scholars , C.C.C., 15, 38 ; see
also Leaver, Swyft.

Hegge, Stephen, Notary-Public,
father of Robert Hegge, 15, 39 ;
wife of, Anne (Swyft), daughter
of Dr. Robert Swyft, 16.

Henman, Allen, Tutor of St.
John’s Coll , Cambridge, xxv,
45 ; account of, 65 ; 66.

Henneker, Martha (Matt.) xxiii, 2,
13) 14-

Henry VI, xi, xii.

Herne, Manor of Makinbrooke in,
17 1 ; Oxinden Corner in, 171 ;
Underdown Farm in, 17 1.

Heyman, Sir Peter, of Sellinge, 85;
account of, 93 ; member for
Dover, 138, 164, 191,288; Letters
of, to Mrs. Katherine Oxinden,

319

INDEX

LXXIX ; to Henry Oxinden,
LXXXVII.

Hobday, Stephen, of Hougham,
124-6.

Holland, Travels in, xxiv, 4, 31,
256, 285, 292 ; the Hague in, 8.

Holt, James, Fellow of C C.C.,
Oxford, xxiv, xxv ; his writing,
xxxvi; 2, 5, 15 ; account of, 26 ;
45 , 153 ; Letters of, to Henry
Oxinden, XXI, XXVIII , XXIX,
XXXI, XXXIX, LIV, LVII,
LIX, LXIII ; Letters to, from
the same, 66, 69 ; verses by, 36

Holt, John, President of C.C.C.,
27, 46, 64.

Holt, Thomas, of C.C.C., 27 ; his
death, 64.

Holy Scripture, quotations from,
167, 168, 176, 221, 282, 290.

Horses, 132, 141, 143, 146, 149,
306 ; Bishops’, 162 ; dromicall,
161-2.

Huffam, Michael, Curate of King-
ston, xvii, xxxii, 193, 224-7, 229,
233-5, 238-9, 270, 277 ; wife of,
Leah (Culling), 193, 224.

Huffam, Stephen, Rector of St.
Nicholas-at-Wade, 224.

I

Icarus, 147, 290.

Ileden (Ilding), see Wilsford, Sir
Thomas.

Ingoldsby Legends at Tappington,
47-

Inns of Court, Gray’s Inn, 1, 89 ;
Middle Temple, 6-8, 89 ; New
Inn, 2, 7.

Ireland, 188, 194, 248, 254-5, 258,
302 ; “ Irish Employment,” 229,
333, 235 ; Londonderry, 202.

Italy, Travels m, xxiv, 10, 50, 54.

J

Jackson, Thomas, President of
C.C.C., 68.

James I, 3, 4, 8, 15, 78, 141 ;
works of, 176.

James, Mr., murders a J.P., 186.

Janssen, Comelis, paints Kentish
families, xvii, xxx, 168.

Jermyn,Sir Thomas, 255, 287, 292.

John George I, Elector of Saxony,
78, 79-

Johnson, Henry, of Nether court,
son of John Johnson, 84, i?5 ;
Letter of, to Henry Oxinden,
XCVII.

Johnson, John, of Nethercourt, 2,
18, 19 ; wife of, Judith (Sprake-
ling), 2,18; Letter of, to Richard
Oxinden, XII.

Jull, Adam, the Oxindens’ servant,
117, 128, 133, 143, 148-9, 198.

Jull, Christopher, 47.

K

Kent, Committee of, 11.

Kent, County of, xv, xxv, xxvii,
xxx, xxxiv, 7, 11, 16, 23, 38, 49,
58, i33> 137. I5L 155. 256, 26c
284, 297 ; Loyalty to Parliamer *
suspect, 302 ; 305, 306 (East).

Kent, James, of Chartham, 85,
130, 132-3 ; wife of, Margarit
(Peyton), 85, 129-31, 133.

Kilvert, Richard, 139 ; account of
185 ; 188-9.

Kingman, Robert, of C.C.C
Oxford, 68, 70. *

Kingston, church of, xvii ; xxx
9. 97. 175. 224, 240, 287 ; cur
of, see Huffam, Michael ; Rec,
of, see Balcanquall, Walter.

Kin ton, Mrs. Ellyn, xxui, 19-20 ;
husband of, John Kinton (King-
ton), Vicar of St. Dunstan’s,
Canterbury, 19 ; Letter of, to
Lady Sprakeling, XIII.

Kitchener, Earl, of Khartoum,
buys Broome Hall, 140.

L

Ladislaus, King of Hungary and
Bohemia, 101.

Lafield, Dr., 189.

Lake, William, of C.C.C., Oxford,
35, 37-

Lane, Dr., Master of St. John’s
College, Cambridge, 103.

Laud, William, Archbishop of
Canterbury, 127, 138, 139, 142,
163, 174, 185, 187, 191, 194,203,
284 ; his book, The Conference
with Fisher y 142 (footnote).

320

INDEX

Leaver, Thomas, Master of Sher-
burn, 1 6 ; Sherburn Castle, 16,

•24.

Leeds Abbey, see Meredith, Sir
William.

Lee-Warner, Edward, his life of
John Warner, 203.

Leicester, Earl of, 302, 303.

Leopold, Archduke, of Austria, 3,

10.

Lewkenor, Sir Robert, of Acris
Place, 45 ; account of, 75 ; wife
of, Catherine (Hamon), 75 ;
Letter of, to Henry Oxinden,
LXIV.

Leyden, 4, 32, 33.

London, xii, xxvii, xxxii, 27, 44,
i S3, 55, 68, 78, 84, 87, 89, 91-2,
hi, 117, 122-3, I 33, 1 37 » I 44,
151, 154 , i6 9, *7L 174 , i82 > i8 4,

■- 187, 202, 211, 218-9, 224-5, 229,
231, 236-9, 244, 247-51, 255,

' 269, 280, 283, 285-7, 295, 297,
304, 312 ; corn-prices in, 184 ;
Lord Mayor of, 248 ; Sheriff of,
183.

%»pdon, buildings in, Guildhall,
'£48 ; Lambeth Palace, 138, 174,
£84 ; Old Exchange, xxvii, 194,
201, 208-9 ; Tower, 10, 138,
187, 198, 204, 255, 284, 286 ;
churches in, St. Benet, Paul’s
Wharf, 78 ; St. Lawrence (riot
at), 138, 182 ; St. Martin-m-
the- Fields, no ; St. Mary Mag-
dalen, xii ; inns in, Black Swan,
no; Peacock (Blackfriars), 304,
305 ; streets in, Aldersgate, 108 ;
Cheapside, sign of Maydenhead
in, xxvii, xxviii ; Fish Street,
xxvii, 1, 39; Whitehall, 174,
196.

Lord Keeper, see Finch, Lyttel-
ton.

Lushington, John, yeoman, of
S telling, 96-7* _ .

Lyne, Mr., agent of John, Bishop
of Rochester, 203, 205, 206-8,
259.

Lyttelton, Sir Edward, Lord
Keeper, 138, 163, 173, 187, 191,
256,301,302; servant of, John
Wibome, 234.

X ;

M

Maidstone, siege of, 195.

Maidstone, Lady, Elizabeth, wife
of Sir Moyle Finch of Eastwell,
125.

Man, Mr,, 230, 233-
Manwood, Jerome, 84, 133.
Manwood, Sir John, M.P. for
Sandwich, Lieut.-Governor of
Dover Castle, 127, 136 ; account
of, 147 ; wife of, Levina (Ogle),
147.

Margate, lobsters caught at, xxm,

21 , 22 ; St. John Baptist Church
at, 22.

Marsh, Thomas, of Brandred, xv ;
buys Tappington Manor, 47 ; his
son obtains coat-of-arms, 156.
Master, Sir Edward, of Ospringe,
136, 146 ; Sheriff of Kent ; ac-
count of, 147 ; wife of, Ethel-
dreda (Streynsham), 147.

Master, Richard, of East Langdon,
116, 136, 146, i47» I 77. 298 ;
wife of, Anne (Oxinden), 116,

I36 ’ 147 * ^ .. r

May dekin, Great, residence ot

Henry Oxinden, xix, xx, xxi, 1,

45, 86, 91, 96, 121, 138.

Maydekin, Little, xix, xx, 12 1 .
Medecines, prescribed, 12, 179,191-
Medicis, Marie de’, Queen-mother
of France, xvi, xxix, 194 ; the
Lords’ farewell to, 208 ; her
court at St. Augustine’s, her pet
dogs, 210, 212.

Meredith, Elizabeth, see Oxinden,
Henry of Deane.

Meredith, Sir William, 136 ; ac-
count of, 164-5 ; 168, 202, 306-
7, 309 ; wife of, 167, 306-7 ;
son of, 167 ; seat of, Leeds
Abbey, xv, xxix, 136, 139 ; de-
scription of, 165-6 ; 169, 302,

306,309,313- _ „

Militia Ordnance, of Long Parlia-
ment, xxxiv, 256, 301, 308, 309,
3IL 3«-
Molash, 309, 31 1.

Monings, Edward, Sheriff of Kent,
287, 312 ; his seat, Waldershare
Park, 284.

Monkton, 24*

INDEX

Montague, Walter, 185, 256, 292.

Mowbray, Lord, 194, 204.

N

Neile, Dr. Richard, Bishop of
Winchester, Visitor of C.C.C.,
Oxford, 68 ; his chaplain, Mr.
Duncombe, 68.

Nethersole, Sir Francis, Secretary
to Elizabeth of Bohemia, xvi,
xxii, 4, 10, 47.

Nethersole, Goodman, of Barham,
105 ; Goodwife, 125.

Nevinson, Margaret, see Oxinden,
Sir James.

Nevinson, Sir Roger, of Eastry, 1.

Newcastle, 137, 151.

Newlyn, Robert, of CCC., Ox-
ford, 35, 37.

Newman, Mr., Richard Oxinden’s
Master, xxvii, 1, 39-41.

Nicholas, Sir Edward, 254, 259.

Northbourne, Funeral of Henry
Sandys at, 178.

North Downs, xiii, xiv, 29, 175,
194, 290.

Nova Scotia, Baronets of, 141.

O

Ogle, Sir William, 304.

Orange, Prince of, see Frederick
Henry.

Osborne, Dorothy, Letters of,
quoted, xxx.

Osborne, Edward, of Hartlipp and
Cowsted, 30, 62, 63 ; wife of,
Mary (Denne) ; son of, John, 30,
3L 33, 64.

Ovid, 18 1 ; quoted by Sir Edward
Dering, 284.

Oxford, city of, xxvii, 42, 46, 78,
*39> x 59, 202.

Oxford, University of, xxiv, xxvi,
14-15, 71, 74, 105, 127, iSL
153, X S7 , i6 9, 187 ; colleges in,
Corpus Christi, xxiv, xxv, 1, 2,
5, 14-7, 26, 38, 45, 54, 64, 68,
72, 74 ; Merton, 127 ; Pem-
broke, 8 ; Wadham, 85, 105.

Oxinden, Adam, son of Richard
Oxinden, xxvii, 53, 84-5, 129,
133 , 139 , 148, 150, 152, 176 ;
sends in his master’s bill, 189 ;

194, 198 ; met by Sir Thomas
Peyton in the Old Exchange,
201 ; leaves the Exchange, 268-
19 ; 250, 257-8, 261, 300, 302-4;
Letters of, to Henry Oxinden,
CLXIV, CLXXXIII, CCXXXI;
Letter to, from Henry Oxinden,
216.

Oxinden, Allan, xi.

Oxinden, Anne, see Master,
Richard.

Oxinden, Anne (Peyton), wife of
Henry Oxinden of Maydekin,
xx, xxii, xxviii, xxx, xxxi, 85-88,
90, 105, 108, 112, 116, 120, 122,
129, 130-3 ; death of, 139, 179 ;
175 , 273, 276 ; Letter of, to
Henry Oxinden, CXIV ; letters
to, from Sir Thomas Peyton, 88 ;
from Edward Peyton, 105 ; from
Henry Oxinden, 129.

Oxinden, Edward, of Brooke, xiii.

Oxinden, Elizabeth (“ Bes ”),
daughter of Richard Oxinden,
xx, xxviii, 53, 84, 89, 122, 133-5,
144, 150-1, 159, i 8 9, 192, 203,
218-20, 248, 260, 264, 393 ;
Letter of, to Henry Oxinden,
CXIX (A).

Oxinden, Henry, of Dene, xii, xiii.

Oxinden, Henry, of Maydekin,
Barham, xii, xv, xvi, xviii, xx-
xxxiii, xxxv, xxxvi, 1, 5, 6 ; at
Oxford, 14-7 ; 23, 26, 45, 46,
50, 59, 83-5, 121, 137-9, x 47,
196, 224 ; Letters of, to James
Holt, LVI, LVIII ; to Sir Basil
Dixwell, LXXXI ; to James
Oxinden, XCVI, Cl, CXL,
CXLIV, CXLVI ; to Valentine
Pettit, CV ; to Henry Oxinden
of Deane, XCVIII, CCXXIII,
CCXXIX ; to Thomas Barrow,
XCIX, CLXXXIV, CLXXXVI,
CXCI, CXCII, CCVII ; Mrs.
Katherine Oxinden, CIII, CX,
CXI, CXV, CXVII, CXIX,
CXXIII, CXXVIII, CXXXI ;
to Francis Drayton (his son’s
schoolmaster), CVI ; to Mr.
Richardson, CVI I ; to his wife,
Mrs. Anne Oxinden, CXIII ;
fragment, p. 147 ; to Sir Thomas

322

INDEX

Peyton, CXLIII, CLXXI 1 I,
CLXXX ; to Mr. Hadnam, the
•tailor, CXLV ; to John, Bishop
of Rochester, CLXXIX ; to
Adam Oxinden, CLXXXVII ;
to Vincent Denne, CLXXXVIII ;
to Robert Bargrave, CXCIII
(pleading for a witch’s life) ; to
Michael Huffam, CXCIV,

CXCVII ; to Margaret, Lady
Oxinden, CXCV, CXCIX ;

to Elizabeth Dallison, CXCVI,
CCII, CCIII, CCIV, CCVIII,
CCXIV, CCXVIII, CCXIX,

CCXXII, CCXXVI,

CCXXVIII,CCXXX; Sir James
Oxinden, CXCIX, CCXVI ; to
certain Puritan divines , CCXVI I ;
to Katherine Culling, CCXX,
CCXXV ; Letters to, from

Thomas Barrow, 176, 182-4, 188-
9, 192, 197, 200, 208, 213, 217,
248, 258, 260, 310 ; Francis
Blechynden, 49, 51, 57, 60, 61,
63 , 65 ; Robert Coulverden,
247 ; Elizabeth Dallison, 233,
291 ; Vincent Denne, 217 ; Sir
Basil Dixwell, 139 ; Henry
Fallowfeild, 103 ; Sir James
Hales, 106 ; Robert Hegge, 46 ;
Sir Peter Heyman, 107 ; James
Holt, 26, 35, 38, 42, 52, 64, 68,
71, 74 ; Henry Johnson, 115 ;
Sir Robert Lewkenor, 75 ; Adam
Oxinden, 189, 209, 300 ; Mrs.
Anne Oxinden, 130 ; Elizabeth
Oxinden, 135 ; Henry Oxinden
of Deane, 89, no, 144, 146-7,
151-2, 154, 160, 177, 190, 196,
202, 210, 234, 257, 271, 283, 301,
306-7, 3 11, 313 ; James Oxin-
den, 48, 52, 71, 73, 81, 92, 95,
102, 109, 113, 153, 157, 181, 186;
Sir James Oxinden, 53, 72, 75,
90, no, hi, 126, 143, 171, 180,
260, 265 ; Mrs. Katherine

Oxinden, 92, 122, 133, 150 ;
Margaret, Lady Oxinden, 132,
179, 191 ; Richard Oxinden, 26,
29 ; Richard Oxinden, the
younger, 43, 104, 304 ; Samuel
Peyton, 91 ; Sir Thomas Peyton,
107, 141, 145, 155, 160, 172, 174,

178, 201 ; Mrs. Mary Proud,
120 ; John, Bishop of Rochester,
203, 207, 259 ; Dr. Francis
Rogers, 47 ; John Rowland, 54 ;
Henry Saunders, 86 ; Robert
Sprakeling, 55, 57 ; Edward
Swan, 190 ; Sir Thomas Wils-
ford, 175.

Oxinden, Henry, of Deane, xiv, xv,
xxxiii, 84, 86 ; account of, 89 ;
131, 136-7, 139 , 148 ; his mar-
riage to Elizabeth Meredith,
164; 168, 193-4, 200 (“ The
Captaine ”), 212, 229, 233, 247,
250-2, 254-6, 258, 260-1 ;

Letters of, to Henry Oxinden of
Maydekin, LXXIII, XCI,
CXXIV, CXXVI, CXXVII,
CXXX, CXXXII, CXXXIV,
CXXXV, CXLI, CLII, CLXV,
CLXIX, CLXX, CLXXXIIIa,
CCI, CCIX, CCXXI, CCXXIV,
CCXXXII, C CXXX V I,
CCXXXVII, CCXXXIX,
CCXL ; Letters to, from Henry
Oxinden of Maydekin, 116, 281,
295 ; 1st wife of, Mary (Baker),
86, no ; 2nd wife of, Elizabeth
(Meredith), xv, xxix, 136, 139,
160, 164-8, 177, 194, 197, 212.

Oxinden, Sir Henry, of Deane, xiii,

xiv, xviii, xix, 1, 288 ; 1st wife
of, Elizabeth (Brooker), xiv, xix,
1 ; 2nd wife of, Mary (Theo-
bald), 1, 5, 288.

Oxinden, James, of Deane, slain in
duel, xv, 84, 133.

Oxinden, Sir James, of Deane, xiii-

xv, xviii, xxn, xxviii, 1,3,4, 46,
80, 84, 86, 89, 116-8, 123, 133,
136, 148, 168, 184, 186, 190, 192,
200, 233, 236, 240, 241, 256,
267, 269, 276, 280, 288, 291-3,
299, 305 ; Letters of, to Richard
Oxinden, II ; to Henry Oxin-
den, XLI, LXI, LXV, LXXIV,
XC, XCII, XCIII, CVII I,
CXXII, CXLVII, CLVI,
CCXIII, CCXV ; to Mrs.
Katherine Oxinden, XLVIII ;
wife of, Margaret (Nevinson),
Lady Oxinden, xiv, xv, xxviii,
xxix, 1, 5> 78, 80, 86, hi, 116,

INDEX

133; 139, 144, 161, 167, 187, 190,

225, 229, 230, 236, 24O-I, 250,
258, 262, 268, 280, 288, 29I,
293, 299 ; Letters of, to Henry
Oxinden, CXVI, CLIV,
CLXVII ; to Mrs. Katherine
Oxinden, CCXXXIV.

Oxinden, James, son of Richard
Oxinden, xxv, xxvi, 45, 60-2 ;
sits for Scholarship at C.C.C.,
65-71 ; fails to win it, 74 ; 83,
85, 103, 122, 138-9, 151-2, 185,
188, 194, 218-9, 229, 247-8,256-
7 ; applies for living of Good-
nestone, 260-1, 265-7 ; 269, 299,
305 ; his marriage, 310 ; Letters
of, to Henry Oxinden, XXXV,
XL, LX , LXI I , LXIX, LXXVII ,
LXXX, LXXXII, LXXXIX,
XCV, CXXXIII, CXXXVIII,
CLVII, CLXI ; to Sir Thomas
Peyton, CXXXIX ; Letters to,
from Henry Oxinden, 114, 118,
158, 168, 170.

Oxinden, Jane, see Piers, Sir
Thomas.

Oxinden , J ohn , of W ingham , xi , xii .

Oxinden, Mrs. Katherine (Sprake-
ling), wife of Richard Oxinden
of Maydekin, xviu, xxv, xxviii,
xxix, xxxvi, 1, 2, 69, 73, 85, 89,
116 ; 152-3, i59> 175 ; her ill-
ness, 1 91 -2 ; 200 ; her anxiety
about Adam’s career, 210-2,
215-9 ; 248 ; her dislike of

Katherine Culling, 252, 269-70,
293-5 ; 297, 309 *, Letters of, to
Henry Oxinden, LXXVI, CIV,
CXVIII, CXXIX ; to Sir Peter
Heyman, LXXVIII ; to Thomas
Barrow, C; Letters to, from
Robert Hegge, 23 ; from Sir
James Oxinden, 59 ; from Sir
Peter Heyman, 94 ; from Henry
Oxinden, 121, 128, 131, 133,
134, 143, 148, 1 51 ; from Adam
Oxinden, 300 ; from Thomas
Barrow, 302 ; from Margaret,
Lady Oxinden, 303.

Oxinden, Katherine, see Barrow,
Thomas.

Oxinden, Margaret (Chudleigh),
Lady, 140.

Oxinden, Richard, of Wingham,xi.
Oxinden, Richard, Prior of Christ-
church, xi. %

Oxinden, Richard, xii ; wife of,
Jane de Wenderton, xii.

Oxinden, Richard, of Maydekin,
Barham, xiii, xviii, xx, xxii, xxv,
xxix, 1, 3, 4> 45 ; his death, 46 ;
268, 275 ; Letters of, to Sir
James Oxinden, I, III ; to
Valentine Pettit, XIV (draft) ;
to Henry Oxinden, XX, XXIII ;
Letters to, from Sir James Oxin-
den, 6 ; from Charles Tripp, 7 ;
from Sir Richard Hardres, 11 ;
from Robert Hegge, 14 ; from
John Johnson, 18 ; from Valen-
tine Pettit, 21, 22, 24, 39 ; from
Francis Tilghman, 24 ; wife of,
see Katherine (Sprakeling).
Oxinden, sons of, see Henry,
James, Richard, and Adam
Oxinden ; daughters of, see
Elizabeth Oxinden, Katherine
Barrow.

Oxinden, Richard, the younger
(“ Dick ”), son of Richard Oxin-
den, 1 ; his apprenticeship, 40-3 ;
59, 85, 92 ; his debt to Mrs.
Proud, 120, 122, 123 ; 194, 229,
235, 250-1 ; Letters of, to Henry
Oxinden, XXXII, LXXXIV,
CCXXXV ; to Valentine Pettit,
the younger, LXVIII.

Oxinden, Solomon, of Nonington,

xi.

Oxinden, Thomas, son of Henry of
Maydekin, xxx, 91, 149, 159,

179, 274, 276.

Oxinden, Thomas, of Dene, xii ;
wife of, Elizabeth (Rainscroft),

xii.

Oxinden, William, of Brooke, xii.
P

Palmer, Henry, knighted, 288-9.
Palmer, Sir Henry, of Wingham,
29, 34, 164.

Palmer, Herbert, Master of Queens*
College, Cambridge, 34, 197.
Palmer, Sir Thomas, of Wingham,
account of, 34 ; 53, 146, 152,
197, 202, 212, 233, 312 ; Letter

324

INDEX

of, to Sir James Oxinden,
XXVII; wife of, Elizabeth
fShirley), Lady Palmer, 34, 144,
167, 187.

Parier, Matthew, Archbishop of
Canterbury, ancestor of Kathe-
rine Culling, xxxiii.

Parser, William, 18 ; wife of,
Elizabeth (Pettit), 18.

Parliament, 136 ; opening of
Short, 137, 161-4 ; dissolution
of, 138, 173 ; 142, 154, 167,
I 74-S ,* proceedings of Long,
191, 198-9, 204, 255 ; removes
to Mercers’ Hall, 256, 287 ; 283,
295-7, 3 0I » 309, 312 ; House of
Commons, 172-3, 204, 254-5,
271, 283, 285, 289 ; House of
Lords, 138, 172, 174, 204, 208,
254-5,271-2, 285,288, 301, 306-
7, 310, 312.

Parliament, Acts of ; Impress-
ment Bill, 254 ; 259 ; Militia
Ordinance, 256, 295, 301-2,

31 1-2 ; Root and Branch Bill,
283 ; Tonnage and Poundage,
*94-

Parry, Henry, of C.C.C., Oxford,
35, 37-9,43*

Parthench, Sir Edward, member
for Sandwich, xvii ; account of,
168 ; 304, 307 ; his wife, Mary
(Fagge), Lady Partherich, 168,
170, 256, 260.

Paske, Dr. Thomas, Master of
Clare Hall, Cambridge, account
of, 230 ; 232.

Patrixbourne, xvii ; church of, 112.

Pattison, Mrs. Maria, marries
James Oxinden, 310.

Pembroke, Earl of, Philip Herbert,
Lord Chamberlain, 1 94, 204, 272.

Penniman, Sir William, 189.

Pennington, Admiral Sir John, 137,
312.

Percivall, Captain, afterwards Sir
Anthony, of Archcliffe Fort,
xvi, 121, 168, 193 ; account of,
195 J 196-7, 256, 298, 307 ; wife
of, Gertrude (Gibbes), 196, 284,
290.

Percy, Lord Henry, 255, 287.

Petitions, Artificers, 255 ; coun-

ties, various, 255, 271 ; Canter-
bury, 298 , handicraftsmen, and
porters, 285 ; Kentish, 288, 297;
to Lord Saye and Sele, 260 ;
Women, 285.

Pettit, Cleve, 2, 4, 18.

Pettit, Elias, 2, 4, 17, 18 ; Letter of,
to Henry Pettit, XI.

Pettit, Henry, 2, 13, 14 ; his death,
19 , his monument, 21 ; letters
to, from Elias Pettit, 17 ; from
Valentine Pettit, 13, 14 ; wife of,
Hanna (Sprakelmg), xxiii, 2, 19,
21, 134 ; her death, 270 ; letter
to, from Valentine Pettit, 25.

Pettit, Henry (Captain Pettit of
Daundelion), son of Henry and
Hanna, 2, 22.

Pettit, Paul, lawyer, 2, 25, 39, 123,
134, 188.

Pettit, Valentine, of Daundelion,
xxiii, 2 ; 1 st wife of, Mary

(Cleve), 2 ; 2nd wife of, Martha
(Henneker), 2, 14 ; Letters of,
to Henry Pettit, VIII, IX ; to
Richard Oxinden, XIV, XV,
XVIII.

Pettit, Valentine, the younger,
Clothworker, xxvii, 2, 21, 39,
40 (footnote), 73,79, 120, 122-3 ;
wife of, Elizabeth (Morse), 2, 40
(footnote) ; Letters of, to Hanna
Pettit, XIX ; to Richard Oxin-
den, XXX.

Peyton, Anne, see Anne Oxinden.

Peyton, Edward, of Wadham Col-
lege, Oxford, xxx, 85, 105 ;
Letter of, to Mrs. Anne Oxinden
LXXXV.

Peyton, Elizabeth, see Bargrave,
Robert.

Peyton, Margaret, see Kent, James

Peyton , Mary (Aston) , Lady , widow
of Sir Samuel Peyton, xxii, 84,
88 ; Letter from, to Mrs. Anne
Oxinden, LXXI.

Peyton, Sir Samuel, of Knowlton,
XXX, 84, 87-8.

Peyton, Samuel, the younger, xxx,
85 ; Letter of, to Henry Oxin-
den, LXXV.

Peyton, Sir Thomas, of Knowlton,
78, 85, 87, H5> 12a, 130-1. *34.

325

INDEX

136-9, 154, 157-8, 168, 194;
member for Sandwich, 198 ; 274,
275-6 ; wife of, Anne (Osborne),
xxx ; Letters from, to Mrs. Anne
Oxinden, LXXII ; to Henry
Oxinden, LXXXVIII, CXXI,
CXXV, CXXXVI, CXLII,
CXLVIII, CXLIX, CLIII,
CLV, CLXXV ; to the Mayor
and Jurats of Sandwich,
CLXXII ; Letters to, from
Henry Oxinden, 164, 199, 206 ;
from James Oxinden, 158.

Phaeton, 178, 290.

Philipott, John, Somerset Herald,
xvi, 45-6 ; account of, 76-8 ;
162 ; Letters of, to Sir James
Oxinden, LXVII ; to Edward
Swan, CXXXVII.

Piers, Sir Thomas, of Stonepitt,
Baronet of Nova Scotia, account
of, 1 41 ; 167, 287 , wife of,

Jane (Oxinden), 116, 144, 287.

Pluckley, church at, 284.

Pocock, Edward, of C.C.C.,
Oxford, Laudian Professor of
Arabic etc., 42-3.

Postmen (Canterbury), 7, 25 ;

(Sandwich), 8.

Proud, Sir John, 29 ; wife of, Anne
(Fagge), 29, 168.

Proud, Colonel William, of Gar-
winton, xvii, xxvii, 2 ; 28 (his
epitaph), 29, 45, 80.

Proud, Mary (Sprakeling), wife of
Colonel William Proud, xxiii,
xxviu, xxix, xxxvi, 2, 29, 80, 85,
92, 121 , 123 ; her estate at
Wollage Green, 120 ; Letters of,
to Lady Sprakeling, XXII ; to
Henry Oxinden, Cl I.

Pym, John, xxxv, 137 ; his
speeches in parliament, 1 63 , 255 ,

271-3. 296.

R

Rainbow, Edmund, Bishop of Car-
lisle, 64.

Rainbow, John, of C.C.C., Oxford,

64-5.

Randolph, Dr. Edmund, of Canter-
bury, xxviii ; account of, 13 1;
132, 134 ; sons of, 13 1.

R6, Island of, 4, 33.

Richards, Gabriel, 25, 134, 233.

Richardson, Mr., Lawyer, :S 4,
126.

Richmond, James Stuart, Duke of,
Lord High Steward, 254-5, 359,
287.

Rochester, 9 ; Bishop of, see
Warner, John ; Dean of, see
Balcanquall, Walter.

Rogers, Francis, Rector of Denton,
45, 47, 105, 121, 132 ; wife of,
Thomasme (Fagge), 47 ; Letter
of, to Henry Oxinden, XXXIV.

Rowland, John of, C.C.C., Oxford
36, 38, 39. 43 ; Letter of, to
Henry Oxinden, XLIII.

Rudyerd, Sir Benjamin, 137, 162.

Rupert, Prince, 301.

S

St Nicholas, Timothy, 148-9.

St. Paul, preaching of, 221, 257.

Sampson, John, of C.C.C., Oxford,
35, 37-

Sandwich, xiii, xiv, 2, 12, 14, 78,
115, 147, 162, 194, 198-9, 230 ;
Bailiff of, see Philipott, John ;
Dolphin Inn in, 115 ; members
for, see Boys, Sir Edward ;
Manwood, Sir John ; Parthe-
rich, Sir Edward ; Peyton, Sir
Thomas.

Sandy s, Edwin, Archbishop of
York, 175.

Sandys, Colonel Edwin, “ Ned,”
116 ; desecrates Canterbury
Cathedral, 230 ; furnishes 20
horse for Parliament, 256, 312.

Sandys, Sir Edwin, of North-
bourne, author of Europae Specu-
lum , 175, 178.

Sandys, Henry, his funeral, 178.

Saunders, Francis, of Monkton, 2,
24 ; wife of, Frances (Sprake-
ling), 2, 24*

Saunders, Henry, son of Francis,
84 ; Letter from, to Henry
Oxinden, LXX.

Saville, Lord, Secretary to Charles
1,259-

Savoy, Duke of, 54-

Saye and Sele, Lord, William

326

INDEX

Fiennes, 138, 163, 254, 260, 266,
272.

S<ftt, Reynold, his Discovene of
Witchcraft , quoted, 220.

Scotland, 137, 141-2, 144, 151,
194, 204, 208 ; the Scots, 138,
142, 154, 184, 204, 208.

Sects, 257, 258, 310.

Sedan, 89, 90.

Seaeca, quoted, 82.

Seymour, Sir Francis, 137, 162.

Sharpe, Family of, 62.

Shelton, offers marriage to Kathe-
rine Culling, xxxii, 244.

Shepheard, Henry Oxinden’s mes-
senger, 83, 119, 128, 130, 202,
241, 266.

Sheriff of Kent, 287 ; see Brock-
man, Sir William ; Master, Sir
Edward ; Monings, Edward.

Siipmoney, 187.

Smallpox, 41, 94, 181, 195, 216-7.

Smart, Peter, Canon of Durham,
attacks Dr. Cosin, 185.

Spa, visit of Henrietta Maria to the,
194, 203, 204.

Spam, 3, 9, 10 ; King of, Ferdi-
nand, 3, 9, 10 ; offers loan to
Charles I, 173 ; Spaniards, 50,
286.

Sparke, Noel, of C.C.C., Oxford,
35, 37-

Sports, Field ; Coursing, 116, 147,
177-8 ; Fox-hunting, 146, 196 ;
Hawking, Hawks, 12, 19, 85,
106-7, 178 ; Spaniels, xv, 85,
106-7.

Sprakelmg, Sir Adam, of Ellington,
Isle of Thanet, xvm, xxvii, 1,
18, 21 ; wife of,

Sprakeling, Katherine (Esday),
Lady, xxiii, xxiv, 1, 18, 29;
Letter to, from Dr. Jacob Van-
derslaert, 12 ; from Ellyn Kin-
ton, 19 ; from Mrs. Mary
Proud, 28.

Sprakeling, Elizabeth (“ Sister
Sprakeling ”), xxiii, 45, 55 ; her
trees are felled, 56.

Sprakeling, Hanna, see Pettit,
Henry.

Sprakeling, Katherine, see Oxin-
den, Mrs. Katherine.

Sprakeling, Margery, see Tilgh-
man, Francis.

Sprakeling, Robert, 45 ; Letters of,
to Henry Oxmden, XLIV, XLV.

Stephan, Francis, Henry Oxinden’s
messenger, 118-9

Stour, Lesser, or Nailbourne, xiii,
xiv, xvii, 9.

Strafford, Thomas Wentworth,
Earl of, Lord Deputy of Ireland,
xxxiv, 138, 139, 184, 186, 188,
191. 193-4. 197-8.

Stratford, George, of C.C.C.,
Oxford, 35, 37-

Streatehay, Mr., partner to Thomas
Barrow, 122, 148, 183.

Suffolk, Earl of, Thomas Howard,
tried by Star Chamber, 4, 10.

Swan, Edward, 121, 139, 149, 196 ;
Letter from, to Henry Oxinden,
CLXVI ; letter to, from John
Philipott, 156.

Swan, Sir Francis ; account of,
121.

Swan, John, Rector of Denton, 85 ;
account of, 121 ; 122, 130 ;

hires Little May dekin, 149 ; 184,
189 ; lectures in St. Andrew’s
Church, 232 ; his daughter’s
christening, 264 ; 265-6.

Swyft, Mrs. Anne, of South Bailey,
Durham, grandmother of Robert
Hegge, 16.

Sympson, Nicholas, of C.C.C.,
Oxford and Canterbury, account
of, 38 ; 39, 65 ; John, father of,
Nicholas, grandfather of, 38.

T

Taylor, Mr., member of Parlia-
ment, 193, 197-8.

Theobald, Sir George, 212 ; ac-
count of, 288 ; 291, 298.

Theobald, Mary, see Oxinden, Sir
Henry.

Theobalds, court at, 3, 4, 9
(Tibolls), 78, 1 21.

Thirty Years’ War, incidents in,
xxii, 3-5, 9, 10, 28, 89, 139.

Thompson, Sir William and Lady,
264.

Tilghman, Francis, of Snodland
and Sarre, 2, 24 ; wife of, Mar-

337

INDEX

gery (Sprakeling) , 2, 24 ; Letter
of, to Richard Oxinden, XVII.

Toke (Tooke), Mr., of Bere, xvi,
146.

Tripp, Charles, of New Inn and
Trapham, 2, 7-8 ; Letter of, to
Richard Oxinden, IV.

U

Union, of Protestant Princes, 3,
9-10.

V

Vanderslaert, Dr. Jacob, of Sand-
wich, xxiii, 2, 12, 13 ; Letter of,
to Lady Sprakeling, VII.

Vane, Sir Henry, 254, 259.

Vaughan, Edmund, of C.C.C.,
Oxford, 35, 37

Venice Seigniory, 3, 10

Vere, Sir Horace, Baron Vere of
Tilbury, 4, 31.

W

Waldersheare Wood, xxxvi, 96-7.

Wallenstein, Adalbert von, Duke
of Friedland, 78- 9.

Waller, Stephen, of C.CC., Ox-
ford, 35-7, 39.

Warner, John, Bishop of Rochester,
xxxiv ; Mr. Walner, 126 ; 193-
5 ; account of, 203 ; 205, 207,
259 ; Letters of, to Henry Oxin-
den, CLXXVIII, CLXXXI,
CCXI.

Warner, William, xxxv ; author of
Albion's England , 242, 245, 263 ;

characters in, Gynetta, 24s, 563 ;
Erickmon, 263 ; quotations fmm,
242, 245-6, 263. %

Webb, Benedictus, C.C.C., Ox-
ford, 35, 37, 68, 70.

Wenderton, see Denne, Vmcen:.

Westminster, 55, 186 ; Old Paace
Yard in, 197, 255 ; 258, 271.

Westminster Abbey, 27 ; Caron
of, Dr. Newell, 68.

Weston, Benjamin, member for
Dover, 191.

Williams, John, Bishop of Linco'n,
138, 185, 187.

Wilsford (Wilford), Sir Thomas of
Ileden, xvii, xxxii, 136, 138 ;
account of, 175 ; 212, 223 ; wife
of, Elizabeth (Sandys), 17; ;
daughters of, Alice, 223, 24^ ;
Frances, Lady Baker, qv ;
Letter written by, to Hen-y
Oxinden, CL.

Wmgham, xi-xiv, 1, 6, 78, 13?,
168, 309 ; church of, xi-xiv, 7,
30 ; College of Priests at, id,
xiii, xiv, 7, 34, Inn at, the Red
Lion, xm, xiv. *

Wollage Green, estate of Mrs.
Mary Proud, 29, 120-1.

Wood, Thomas, 193, 270 ; wife of,
Ellen (Culling), 193, 227, 277.

Wood, Mr., 125-6.

Wrotham, parish of, 155.

Wymynswold, xvi, xxii, 4.

Wyxworth, John, Lyon King at
Arms, xi, xii.

328

Solomon Oxinden, =Jbcosa Den
temp . Ed. Ill I

Allan O

Richard O. of Wmgham

Richard, Prior
of Christchurch,
d. 1338

Richard O. = Isabella de Twittham,
of Wmgham, I bu. in St. John’s Chapel
temp. Richard II

John O. = Isabella de Ratling
Wingham, temp. Henry VI |

Richard O. =Jane de Wenderton
f Wingham,
d. 1469

Thomas 0 .=Jane Orleston
of Reculver, I
d. 1450

Thomas 0 ,= Elizabeth Rainscroft
of Dene, d. 1492 j of London

Edward O. — Alice Barton
of Dene

William 0 .= Elizabeth Hyles
d. 1576
(no issue)

Valentine Pettit =ist Mary Cleve
of Dandelion I

Valentine 2nd, Cleve

Elias

Paul Elizabeth = W. Park

b. 1597 b.

b.

b.

c. 1600

1603

1605

Sir Sa

Sir Thomas Peyton =

Henry O. = Elizabeth Young
of Dene, I
ISI3-I597

Sir Adam Sprakeling = Katherine Esday
d. 1613 I d. 1627

Henry 1 st, = Hanna Judith = John Johnson Mary = Col. Proud Katherine = Richard Oxinden Frances = Francis Margery = Francis

1596-1624 (10th da.) of Barham Sanders Tilghman

( see below)

Sir Thomas Peyton of Knowlton=Anne Calthorpe
d. 1611 I

I

Anne = Thomas Hales

eldest son of Sir Charles Hales

ie Osborne

Anne = Henry Oxinden

Margaret = James Kent

Samuel Edward

b. of Barham,

of Wadham Coll.,

1613 1632

Oxford

{see below)

si Peyton = Mary Aston

Edward O.
of Brook

(heir to uncle, William O.)
etc.

Sir Henry 0 ., = Elizabeth

Kt., of Dene

da. and
James

ress of
Doker

ir Henry Oxinden = 1 st wife, Mai^ Baker
of Deane, Bart , 2nd wife, Elizabeth
1614-1686 Meredith of

Leeds Abbey,
m. 1640
etc.

Anne = Richard
b. 1607 Master

Sir James 0 . = i6o5 Margaret Nevinson
of Deane, j
1586-1657

Elizabeth = William Jane = Sir Thomas Piers James,

(3rd da.) Dallison (4th Bart, of d. 1638

1610-1665 1609-1642 da.) Nova Scotia
b. 1618

1 Lard 0 .=i6o7 Katherine Sprakeling

0 irham, I

1 -1629

He

Oxinden = Anne Peyton,
3 arham m. 1632, d. 1640
18-1670

son Thomas, 2 das.)

= Katherine Culling,
m. 1642

James = Maria Pattison
1612-1660

Vicar of
Goodnestone
by Faversham

Richard, Adam, Katherine = Thomas Barrow

b. 1613 1622-1643 b. 1610

Elizabeth,
b. 1616

(1 da. survived)

/

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9 /; *

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